Bodies of Water
A Certain Feeling
Secretly Canadian

Bodies of Water’s sophomore release, A Certain Feeling, shows no signs of slumpage. Building upon their debut’s bombastic wall of sound by adding big riffing guitar, prog keyboards and a slightly more ominous tone, the band has accomplished a difficult task: refining its sound and evolving while keeping the core elements that made its debut such a striking and powerful work. Lyrically, A Certain Feeling frequently returns to Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink’s emphasis on questioning, accepting and embracing spirituality, but melodically the band has moved a little further away from the church and a little closer to the arena. The dynamic range is wider than on their debut and the composition a bit more diverse, so that when the band erupts in its tremendous four-part choral harmonies, it packs an even greater punch. With its galloping acoustic guitar, Morricone guitar lines and ABBA-esque melodies, standout track “Darling, Be Here,” sounds like an thrilling amalgam of “Cecilia Ann,” “Knights of Cydonia” and “Lay All Your Love On Me” …. which may come as a surprise to the band, but I hope the comparison is taken in the spirit it is intended. With my musical tastes, it is truly a compliment.

— Patrick Newsom