The changes in the band’s sound are evident from the first track. “Crumbling Light Posts”, which is a three-part theme throughout the record, is the strongest sign that the band has changed. The songs have more emotional, visceral depth and sincerity. They’re also the best songs the band has ever written.

The album is filled with catchy tracks. “Flow with It (You Got Me Feeling)” is one of the band’s catchiest songs, and “All I Ever Wonder” is already one of their most popular tracks.

But these tracks have more depth than before. “I can’t tell what side I’m on / I can’t tell what’s right or wrong,” the band sings on “All I Ever Wonder”. On the Tom Petty-inspired “Sanctify”, he sings “I want to feel something real.”

These songs are no doubt inspired by life on the road. They’re dazed and confused, but they’re emotionally stirring. They’re exhausted, but not exhausting. They’re questioning the realities the band thought they knew before they saw more of the world.

It’s worth restating how great these songs are, even if they do feel more “aware”. Tracks like “Brain Matter” deviate from the band’s traditional soul inspiration, sounding almost like Arcade Fire tracks. And when they get back to their roots on tracks like “Sanctify”, “Burning Rome”, or “Tears in the Diamond”, the band is stronger than they’ve ever been. These songs all feature decadent performances.

Half the City felt like a live record. It felt like an album that captured all the visceral energy of a band known for its live performances. But Sea of Noise is different. The band doubles down on writing earnest, sincere, mature music. It’s not as energetic, but it’s more convincingly emotional — without feeling contrived.

The strange result of all this is that Sea of Noise becomes the intimate counterpoint to Half the City. We got to know St. Paul & The Broken Bones on Half the City, but on Sea of Noise, they open up. They share their deepest secrets.

Sea of Noise proves that St. Paul & The Broken Bones have something to say, and a more varied toolkit than any of us expected. It’s a sign they’ll be around a while longer.

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St. Paul & the Broken Bones are a six-piece soul band from Alabama. And ironically, Half the City was produced by Alabama Shakes member Ben Tanner. The deep south influence, as well as Tanner’s keen production sense, is really evident throughout the record: there’s a sense of raw vitality to the record that isn’t always evident in modern soul.

It’s also clearly a live band’s record: the album was recorded while the band is on national and international tours, and you can practically feel the sweat dripping off of them due to the lights. It adds to the record’s youthful vigour.

The first track, I’m Torn Up, is really one of those openers that needs to be heard to be understood. These guys are the real deal. The James Brown evidence is evident, and I love the horns section. While these guys rock on tracks like Half the City, they’re at their best on tracks like Don’t Mean a Thing, and Call Me. And listen to that singer! While he’s great on rockers like Sugar Dyed (actually phenomenal), listen to him belt it at a live show! Bands like this only come from Alabama. Stupendous stuff.

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