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Reviews

Seims — V
(Bird's Robe BRR, 2025, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2026-01-24

V Cover art

If you look at the Bandcamp page for V by Seims, you’ll see that they describe themselves (eliminating some duplicates due to slight variations) as Alternative (to what? I always ask), Australia (can’t argue there), Cinematic (accurate in a metaphorical sense), Epic (in intensity if not length), Instrumental (almost completely true), Math Rock (there are some odd meters here and there), Orchestral (strings and brass in the arrangements), Post Rock (more on this later), and Sydney (again, can’t argue). These descriptors are not picked automatically by some kind of algorithm, they’re chosen when the music is posted, combined with some that have been set as default for the artist. So they represent two things: how the artist (or record label) sees their music, and how they think people might find it. Say what you will about the meaning of a term like Post Rock (or lack thereof), if you think someone who searches for Post Rock on Bandcamp might like your music, you add the term. V is the third Seims album I’ve reviewed, and it’s just as impressive as the previous two. Simeon Bartholomew (guitar, bass, keyboards) and Chris Allison (drums) are still the core of the group, aided by a crew on violins, violas, cellos, double basses, trumpets, flugelhorns, and tubas. There’s a bit of unobtrusive singing, like the chanting in the background of “Forever the Optimist.” As on previous releases, Bartholomew’s compositions are relatively concise, not stretching to the lengths of many bands in the Post Rock arena, and also exhibit a much greater variety in tempos and moods than is typical. “Chaos within a Construct” is a highlight, with Allison’s energetic drums driving the intensity to epic levels, even though it’s less than five minutes long. Structurally, the nine tracks also vary a lot, sometimes starting quietly and building, sometimes starting out full throttle and slipping into a lyrical ending, and sometimes moving between multiple sections of differing mood. And Bartholomew never neglects the melodic component of the music, as so many in this style do. This variety keeps the music interesting, always providing a series of surprises for the listener. It’s another winner from this consistently excellent Australian band.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Seims

More info
http://seims.bandcamp.com/album/v

 

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