[3.5/5]
Characterized by a harsh, throttling post-punk throb and slight industrial distemper, Broadcast Sea would sound more at home in Chicago or New York City than Dallas. The churning, noisy arrangements suggest a combination of June Of '44's Engine Takes To The Water and Helmet's Strap it On. The album is inspired by the experiences of frontman Sterling Cash's brother, who's serving in Iraq and consumed with questions of duty and exploitation. Wounded Soldier opens with the martial, malevolent pulse and shouted lyrics of "We're A Dying Breed," recalling Naked Raygun in a foul mood, building toward the dark, angry swells of "Heavy Heavy," where Cash screeches, "This is how we feel" like Guy Picciotto. Broadcast Sea have an intriguingly muscular sound that avoids post-rock torpor and art-metal wankery, but they still manage something cinematic in scope that makes a guttural impact. It's epitomized by "The News Came This Morning," with an atmospheric drone and a rumbling breakdown sandwiching a grimy proto-boogie. (PLUTO)Chris Parker
 Official Website: http://www.plutorecords.com
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