A BOAT ON THE SEA review - All aboard

(Reviewed by Melody Werner)

A Boat on the Sea is the 2019 alternative rock album of the Norwegian band Moron Police. It is their third record, but signifies a marked evolution from their prior efforts where they were a novelty meme band with songs with titles such as "T-Bag Your Grandma," "Steve Jobs Is Dead, But I'm Not," and " Grand Theft Bovine." ABotS is a much more serious, alternative approach to their quirky sound. Going by this album, I would draw parallels between MP and bands such as Johnny Manchild & the Poor Bastards or New Radicals. I heard about this band and album via Crash Thompson's glowing review of it (back when he was still going by The Rock Critic). (Yes, I have found a few more places to get recommendations from than just theneedledrop.) And I think I love this album just about as much as Crash did, though I will try not to echo every feeling he expressed in his review.

I have seen people comparing the instrumentals in ABotS to anime battle music, and while I can see that in a certain sense, there is so much more here--including some delightful synths, magnificent saxophones, and more. The instrumentals, like the album art, are extremely vibrant and varied. This is what keeps A Boat on the Sea... afloat (I'm so very sorry), what could make or break it. MP are going for something that is upbeat and sweet to listen to, and kudos to all of the band mates here: Sondre Skollevoll, Thore Pettersen, Lars Bjørknes, and Christian Steen. They all put in tremendous work to ensure that this vibe is achieved.

It's no secret how commonplace it is for bands to be boiled down into their front. Most people know about Black Sabbath, but if you asked them to name a few band mates, they'd probably sputter out right after Ozzy. Hell, they might not even know Ozzy Osborne's from Black Sabbath. Which sucks. That in mind, I still do have to hand an additional round of applause to Skollevoll, whose vocals absolutely pop on every song in this killer track list; adding so much to things with his fantastic singing. The guy's actually got a lot of range and he sells virtually every verse. My biggest gripe is this verse in "Captain Awkward" that goes "Going to the movies / Going to the mountain / I don't wanna be de la dut dut / Everybody knows it, I don't care." I find it pretty obnoxious--but what frustrations there are, are relatively minute and easily washed away by the gorgeous chorus. Besides, it's something that can absolutely grow on you. Every single goddamned track here is absurdly catchy, lively, and well built-out. My absolute favorites (and they're all close) are "The Undersea," "The Dog Song," "The Invisible King," "Isn't It Easy," and "Beware the Blue Sky."

For such a novelty act, one would not anticipate the most scholarly lyricism out there. And yet, MP bring a very thoughtful message of anti-imperialism that grounds the album and grants it its beating heart, preventing it from becoming saccharine. The track order is genius, giving the album a great sense of flow and grandeur. While you could easily listen to any song off of here on its own and it'd be a fun time, the album-listening experience has been considered. 

A Boat on the Sea is a criminally overlooked and underrated album. Beautiful from front to back, absolutely stellar. Don't miss out on it. I'm eager to see where this band goes next, even if it isn't quite as light as this record. I'm not an intensity hawk and I dig a variety of genres and sounds, as long as they're good. A Boat on the Sea gets a 10/10.

Masterful

Summary:

A stunning and grand album that kicks major ass. And I fucking love you, Norway. Y'all are good kids over there.