Sam Prekop's Sam Prekop

The Sea and Cake's sound is as catchy as it is ambient, as intricate as it is dynamic. The band often begins songs with a single theme which remains constant throughout. Meanwhile, other sounds and themes float in and out, but the original pattern rarely gives way. By working within this larger musical theme, the band allows subtle changes to have a great impact.

Prekop dismantles this structure. Instead of establishing a singular theme in each song, he uses the same subtle changes to move between several different themes. This is true of the climactic final song of the album, "So Shy," which begins with disorganized dissonance, reverberating between channels. But the sound soon falls into time,
and then melody. It evolves as new instruments are introduced slowly, but assuredly. The traditional pop song form, which is bent but not broken by The Sea and Cake, is rejected by Prekop.

This iconoclasm results in an album that is looser and freer than Prekop's past collaborations. It feels as if numerous musicians are playing simultaneously at an inaudible volume, while Prekop gradually rises and fades out of each whenever he likes. A single instrument rarely dominates a song (with the exception of a piano in the beautiful "A Cloud to the Back"), and each is used for a purpose. A tight drumbeat wanders into the last minute of "On Such Favors"; Prekop's own voice floats around rhythm parts, featured no more than any other instrument.

Subtle as it is, the sound of Sam Prekop is also dynamic, never pausing for too long on one idea. You may have to pay closer attention to appreciate the complete work, but if you do, you will discover that Prekop's music hasn't lost any of its usual, shy charm. (Thrill Jockey)

Back to A&E...