| Sea Wolf: The Long and Winding Road |
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| Written by Rob van Alstyne | |
| Monday, October 8, 2007 at 12:59 PM | |
 Sea Wolf To the casual observer it would appear that Sea Wolf’s success thus far has been of the overnight variety. How else to explain being in the rather enviable position of playing live on network television (ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live) the same day as your debut album hits stores? The reality, however, is a bit less glamorous. Although Alex Church’s debut under the Sea Wolf moniker is still less than three weeks old, he’s far from a fresh-faced kid. Church’s maiden voyages as the Sea Wolf actually started more than four years ago (as he was wrapping up a near decade long stint playing bass in the criminally overlooked So. Cal pop group Irving), and the bulk of his sumptuous debut album of autumnal folk-rock, Leaves in the River, was recorded more than two years ago. “A lot of the reason I took my time with it is because I wanted to make sure all the pieces were in place,” explains Church via telephone from Portland during the midst of Sea Wolf’s first national tour in support of the album. “I took so long the first couple of years and stayed under the radar because I didn’t want to expose it too much until it was ready. I always knew I wanted the record to come out in the fall.” It was a wise decision on Church’s part, as Leaves in the River’s ten tracks full of hushed confessions, swooning strings and finger picked emotional flagellations are tailor made for cooler climes and shorter daylight hours. Recorded with noted production luminary Phil Ek (the Shins, Band of Horses), it’s no accident that Church’s debut feels more like the work of a well honed band than a first shot from an aspiring singer/songwriter. “I love all kinds of music but I’m more of a band guy than a singer/songwriter guy and I wanted it to sound like a band,” says Church. “The reason it’s Sea Wolf and not my name is because I view it as a band, even if I’m the only permanent member.”  Leaves in the River It’s an album meant to turn heads, and it has been in rapid succession, with tastemaking radio stations like 89.3 the Current already intently glomming onto first single “You’re A Wolf.” Church is taking the new found attention in stride for now, although he admits he’s still getting comfortable when it comes to playing his intensely introspective tunes before an audience. “At this point it’s still something I have to think about every time I play, how do I want to present this? I still haven’t figured that one out actually. I definitely can’t say that playing shows is my favorite thing. I get nervous. But at the same time I try and use those nerves in a positive way and use it to make the songs more intense and people seem to like it. It gives me a way to get rid of the nerves. By about three songs in I feel relaxed and more comfortable to be myself.” He had better hone his relaxation techniques while he still has the time - it’s doubtful the audiences will be going away anytime soon. Sea Wolf's Official Website Sea Wolf's MySpace page Watch the video for "You're A Wolf" from Leaves in the River COMING UP: Sea Wolf plays with opening acts North and Jonathan Delehanty on Thursday, October 11 at the 7th St. Entry . 9 pm. 21+. $8. |
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| Last Updated: Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 08:16 PM |
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