REVIEW: Southeast Engine-From the Forest to the Sea

...So it begins...

...the opening lines of Southeast Engine's latest release, From the Forest to the Sea, [Misra Records, 2009] instantly indicate the biblical overtones that run rampant throughout its duration. Seemingly picking up where their last album, A Wheel Within a Wheel, left off, Adam Remnant continues the narrative on the three-part opener, "The Forest". Marrying their straightforward rock roots with subtle prog flourishes, courtesy of sprawling composition and cryptic carnival organ, "The Forest" ultimately delivers a mystical awakening that nearly feels like the end of the story. As it stands, it sets the tone for an album that explores the depths of despair and regret, doubts in societal norms, and the ultimate reconciliation of a man and his maker...

...with themes of a pale-faced lady torturing his soul and the impending flood that awaits the human race, Remnant paints a tale so grand in scope that only DeMille could possibly bring it to life. The band stick close to their musical guns throughout the album with traces of The Band, The Beatles, and Wilco running in its veins. Their focus emerges as their strength: these tales beg to be told in a traditional manner, and the band rise to the challenge. In the near-apocalyptic climax of "Preparing for the Flood" SEE virtually ascend into the heavens in the track's final moments, only to return to the terrestrial realms to spread the word of this world's shortcomings, only to finally descend into the depths of the sea to arrive at the realization that perhaps there may be an order to all things that simply can't be understood...

...although Remnant's storytelling stands strongly at the fore of From the Forest to the Sea, this is an outfit that understands how best to support the narrative with subtly rather than flash. Adam's brother Jesse Remnant chimes in with impeccable harmonies and bass and, along with drummer Leo DeLuca, grounds the songs as they move from sprightly shuffles to driving rockers to pastoral ballads. Keyboardist Billy Matheny's organ only further heightens the gospel overtones of the songs. At times chiming and understated while at others stinging and to the fore, Adam Remnant's guitar work is second only to the uncharted depths of soul found in his tortured vocals...

...From the Forest to the Sea stands as proof positive that the classics never really go out of style...