We Built a Fire, Morr Music ***

The population of Iceland is about 317,000, and, judging by the volume of releases from that neck of the woods, a sizeable number of the citizenry seems to be involved in making music. While Seabear are not newbies – 2007’s

The Ghost that Carried Us Away

was our introduction –

We Built a Fire

is a very significant upgrade in sound, span and ambition. Seabear are subtle and understated, with gentle twists and soft swings moving the hushed vocals and gentle arrangements along. The band’s impressive and restless experimental edge with various instrumental flights of fancy catches the ear. Touches such as the bitter-sweet violins that amplify the mood on

Cold Summer

, rather than the more deliberate dramatic sawings, keep you agog. A more sturdy investment than the Icelandic banks. See myspace.com/ seabear

Download tracks: Warm Blood, Cold Summer