The Greek Theatre - Lost Out At Sea

Sun-drenched sadness and staring-at-the-sea introspection. Swedish duo, Sven Fröberg and Frederick Persson, release their stunning debut LP.

Every now and again an album comes along that's out of step with any current fashions yet is all the more convincing because of it. This self-released debut LP from The Greek Theatre is one such album. Musically it's folksy, west coast soft-rock embellished with woodwind and pedal steel, pitched emotionally at that place that's both happy and sad at the same time.

This is music that has a hazy, sun-drenched sadness to it. Texturally soft yet with enough quiet inventiveness to be genuinely moving, this is mood music of the highest order. The album opens with a soft shuffle beat fading in over the sound of waves gently lapping. It's this referencing of the sea that's returned to time and time again lending the whole album a trapped-in-paradise introspection.

The Greek Theatre are Sven Fröberg and Frederick Persson, who along with several musician friends (including Posie Ken Stringfellow), have crafted a beautifully organic debut LP. The album was recorded in a rustic Swedish wood cabin over the summer of 2009. It must have been a very productive time and space as the pair have already written the songs that promise to be on their next three albums, after which they say, The Greek Theatre will cease to exist. They've hinted at the next album being more rooted in the Brit-folk of Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake.

If you want comparisons for this album however there's the obvious Cali-trilogy of Brian Wilson/Love/The Byrds (or more specifically David Crosby solo), along with the folk-rock of fellow Swedes, The Amazing. There are also parallels with the baroque pop/rock of Eric Matthews. But don't go expecting The Greek Theatre to be soundalikes, these comparisons are not the full picture. Although their music is influenced by such alumni, it has a heart and soul all of it's own. This is music infused with an effortless depth that rewards more with each listen. It's an album I'll no doubt return to time after time while eagerly awaiting the next instalment. 

Click over the jump for a track by track preview of the album.