For the last decade or so, Nashville pop-rockers The Silver Seas have been charming a small but strong fanbase with a series of self-released records that could provoke a punch drunk smile out of even the most miserable listener. Slowly but surely carving out a career as one of the best bands that most of the world has never heard of, the artists formerly known as The Bees (not to be confused with the Isle of Wight-based indie band) have perfected beautiful, breezy, happy-sad tunes that sound timeless and drawn comparisons to Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac along the way.
Alaska is the trio’s fourth record and it’s tailor-made for lovers and loners alike. Opening with the title track, The Silver Seas immediately deliver some golden moments on a piano-driven number that splices Billy Joel pop sensibilities with a Rufus Wainwright vocal. The lyrics – check “Red flannel shirt/ With a sad look in your eye/ Spring of ‘91 you were the dancing girl/ I was the guy behind the drums/ You said don’t be so shy” – draw you in and keep you there throughout the 10 tracks.
There are a multitude of highlights on Alaska: the percussive ‘Sea Of Regret’ and the ode to ‘50s sock-hops that is the beautiful ‘I’m The One’ reveal a band in vintage form. ‘Roxy’ is the pick of the near-perfect pack though: a steel guitar and synth-laden ode to London, it has an irresistible sweetness to it’s sadness and has a chorus that you’ll be humming all year. Definite contender for album of the year... 

Key Track: 'Roxy'