Yan (Jan Scott Wilkinson) - Vocals, guitar
Noble (Martin Noble) - Guitar
Hamilton (Neil Hamilton Wilkinson) - Bass, vocals, guitar
Wood (Matthew Wood) - Drum
Phil Sumner - Cornet, Keyboards
Abi Fry - Viola
Yan, Hamilton and Wood are school friends from Kendal in Cumbria. They were in a number of bands together while at school, but after finishing his exams Yan moved to study at Reading University, where he met guitarist Noble. A few years later Hamilton and Wood moved down to join them and form a band.
They played some gigs and produced a 4 track demo in Reading as British Air Powers, before relocating to Brighton in search of a more vibrant music scene. "British Sea Power" was actually the name of one of these demo tracks, and was eventually reworked into Carrion. In Brighton, BSP amassed a strong local following, due mainly to their own club night called "Club Sea Power". The club nights featured many different support bands, and other forms of entertainment such as a 1930s fashion show, and were most frequently hosted at the Freebutt and the Lift (the latter has now closed down).
Their debut single, Fear of Drowning, was issued in limited numbers of their own Golden Chariot label. The artwork for the B side "A Wooden Horse" borrows heavily from the dust cover of the 1950 book "The Wooden Horse" that details the escape of Allied POWs during WWII. Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records saw the band live and in September 2001 signed them to his label. A number of singles were issued on the label, and Eamon (Eamon Hamilton) was recruited to play live keyboards in autumn 2002.
The Decline of British Sea Power, the band's debut album, was released in June 2003 to critical acclaim. A single from the album, "Carrion", became the band's first Top 40 single. The album only charted in the lower reaches of the UK Album Chart, but turned out to be a word of mouth success, shipping well over 60,000 copies over the following two years and allowing them to play sell-out UK tours to venues of over 1,000 people.
The follow-up, Open Season, was released in early April 2005, and also enjoyed wide critical praise. It showcased a more accessible, produced sound and charted at #13 in the UK Albums Chart. Lead single It Ended on an Oily Stage charted at #18 in the UK Singles Chart a week earlier.
British Sea Power have a reputation for elaborate and well-thought out live shows and won the 2004 Time Out London Live Band of the Year award. The stage is often decorated with foliage and plastic birds and sets generally finish with a semi-improvised song called "Rock in A", which sometimes lasts for over 20 minutes. Various members often climb riggings and tear down the foliage, Eamon walks around the audience beating his marching drum, and a ten-foot bear, Ursine Ultra, occasionally makes an appearance - often taking a beating from various band members. This has become one of the signatures of the band. Their tours often include unusual venues such as the Scillonian Club on the Isles of Scilly, Grasmere Village Hall, the St. John Boste Social Club in Kendal, Cumbria and Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall.
The band have built up an eccentric image in interviews and press releases; some of which is based on fact, other times merely whimsical building of outward personas. This has included giving journalists grid references at which to meet them, and expressing obsessions with Field Marshal Montgomery and bird watching.
The band has a fiercely loyal and devoted hardcore fanbase, sometimes referred to as the Third Battalion.
At the beginning of 2006, it was announced that Eamon had left British Sea Power to concentrate on his own band Brakes. The group spent part of late 2006 working on new material in Montréal, and are preparing a DVD.
In 2007, American Laundromat Records announced that British Sea Power would record a version of the Pixies' "Caribou" for an album called "Dig For Fire - A Tribute To Pixies."
In October 2007, the band went on tour throughout the east coast of America to showcase their new 5-track EP, Krankenhaus EP. In November 2007, they toured a variety of unusual locations in the UK including a seaside cafe in Saltdean, East Sussex; a ferry across the River Mersey, Liverpool; the Tan Hill Inn, the UK's highest inn; All Saints Church in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and White Mischief, an indoor festival mixing live bands with unusual vaudeville acts.
Their Krankenhaus? EP was released digitally for purchasable download in October 2007 and was released on CD and vinyl on November the 20th. Their third album, Do You Like Rock Music? was released on 14th January 2008 in the U.K. and scheduled for release on 12th February 2008 in the U.S. Prior to their tour in support of Do You Like Rock Music? (visiting Ireland, UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany and US), Wood injured his back and had to be temporarily replaced by Tom White of Electric Soft Parade and Brakes fame.
In January 2008 the keyboard and cornet player ended up in hospital after being knocked unconscious when he attempted a stage dive. The crowd at Leeds Irish Centre failed to catch Phil Sumner, who jumped off a 12-foot PA system landing head first. The press department at Rough Trade Records reported "The impact knocked him out. Thankfully an ambulance was quickly summoned and he was whisked away, bloody and unconscious and despite a concussion, a broken molar and a maze of stitches in his chin, a very groggy Phil is expected to make a full recovery." In spite of this, he returned to the stage with the rest of the band a day later in Kendal.
In February 2008, the band appeared on Later with Jools Holland, playing Waving Flags, Canvey Island and No Lucifer. They were ably accompanied by a small number of the London Bulgarian Choir and a display of Cumbrian wrestling. The band are also scheduled to play at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Latitude, T in the Park and Bestival.
In May 2009, British Sea Power released their fourth album, Man of Aran. Several tracks on this album are remakes of older songs, such as the main riff from North Hanging Rock which features in the new track Boy Vertiginous. The album comes paired with a DVD containing the Robert J. Flaherty film 'Man of Aran', a silent film with music from the album dubbed in.
In October 2010, British Sea Power released the seven track 'Zeus' ep and announced the release of their next album, 'Valhalla Dancehall' in January 2011.
In November 2011, the band started hosting a regular club evening in Brighton called "Krankenhaus" that recalled some of their Club British Sea Power events. DJ sets, friends of the band and general BSP hijinx.
On 9 August 2021, British Sea Power announced they were changing their name to Sea Power. In a statement the band explained:
"In recent times there’s been a rise in a certain kind of nationalism in this world – an isolationist, antagonistic nationalism that we don’t want to run any risk of being confused with. It’s become apparent that it’s possible to misapprehend the name British Sea Power, particularly if someone isn’t familiar with the band or their recordings. We’ve always been internationalist in our mindset, something made clear in songs like Waving Flags, an anthem to pan-European idealism. We always wanted to be an internationalist band but maybe having a specific nation state in our name wasn’t the cleverest way to demonstrate that. We very much hope the band’s audience won’t be affronted by this adjustment to the name. We’d like to make it clear that removing the word “British” does NOT indicate any aversion to the British Isles whatsoever. We all feel immensely fortunate to have grown up in these islands. Several or our songs are filled with love and awe for this place. We do love these lands. We all still live within the British Isles, but we are now just Sea Power. We feel the name change comes in part from the band’s audience – who at a good show will shout out, “Sea Power! Sea Power!” Maybe this name change has been there for years, shouted in our ears. It’s just taken us this long to realise – to hear what was there in front of us… "
Luna
British Sea Power Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you hoping that you'll all get laid?
When there are interstellar clouds on the Sussex Downs
Were you hoping that you might get paid?
But on the way did you get waylaid?
And now tomorrow keeps coming
Tomorrow keeps coming today
Again and again and again
Again and again and again
Again and again and again
Tomorrow keeps coming today
Tomorrow keeps coming today
Tomorrow keeps coming today
Again and again and again
Luna was a strange girl, she was pretty mad
When we felt sorry for ourselves she'd say it's not so bad
Even the galaxies weep for the suns and the stars they'll never be
We all laughed but we also felt quite sad
So hey now, just put the fucking record on and tell my why
Oh, hey now, just put the fucking kettle on and tell me how
A Ballardian nightmare erupted and now we all share
One thought, one love and one idea
If you want it, you can have it all
If you're needy come to me
If you like to, you can take it
It's not really complicated, oh
If you want it, you can have it all
If you're needy come to me
If you like to, you can take it
It's not really complicated, it's not really complicated
Oh, oh, but these aren't the answers
These are not the answers for you or me
I thought we had a deal
But tomorrow keeps coming today
Again and again and again
Again and again and again
Again and again and again
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Go forth Luna
So go forth, go forth Luna
Go forth, go forth Luna
The song "Luna" by British Sea Power is a poignant yet somewhat puzzling piece. At its core, the song details the cyclical and sometimes fruitless nature of life. It starts with what seems to be a lighthearted question about going out to party but quickly becomes more complex. The lyrics hint at the possibility of unfulfilled desires and missed opportunities as the singers try to make the most of their time on earth.
The song takes a turn with the introduction of Luna, a "strange girl" who seems to understand the futility of caring too much about life's shortcomings. She reminds the other characters that even the vastness of the universe has moments of sadness, and urges them to put on some music and enjoy the present moment instead of worrying about what could have been.
Throughout the song, there is the refrain of "tomorrow keeps coming today" which further highlights the theme of never being able to escape the inevitable march of time. The song takes a slightly more hopeful turn towards the end with the chorus urging the listener to hold on to what they want, "If you want it, you can have it all". It's a reminder that while life may not always go according to plan, we have the power to shape our own destiny.
Overall, the song is a poignant meditation on the nature of making the most of our time on earth. It's a reminder that even when things seem bleak, there's still the possibility for hope and joy in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you going to the disco hey?
Are you going to a party or social gathering?
Are you hoping that you'll all get laid?
Are you expecting to engage in sexual activities?
When there are interstellar clouds on the Sussex Downs
Despite the presence of astronomical features like clouds in the area.
Were you hoping that you might get paid?
Did you have expectations of financial compensation?
But on the way did you get waylaid?
Did something happen to prevent you from accomplishing your intended goal?
And now tomorrow keeps coming Tomorrow keeps coming today
The recurring nature of time and events.
Luna was a strange girl, she was pretty mad
Luna was an unusual person and may have exhibited some eccentric behavior.
When we felt sorry for ourselves she'd say it's not so bad
Luna reassured those feeling down that their situation was not as dire as they thought.
Even the galaxies weep for the suns and the stars they'll never be
There is sadness and remorse for unattainable accomplishments, even on a universal scale.
So hey now, just put the fucking record on and tell my why
Now, let's change the subject and have some music while discussing the reasoning behind certain events.
Oh, hey now, just put the fucking kettle on and tell me how
Let's have some tea and talk about the details of what happened.
A Ballardian nightmare erupted and now we all share
An experience with dystopian characteristics has occurred and affected everyone involved.
One thought, one love and one idea
Unity and harmony behind a common mindset.
If you want it, you can have it all
If you're needy come to me
If you like to, you can take it
It's not really complicated, oh
Obtaining it all is possible, and those in need should reach out for assistance. Obtaining it all is simple.
Oh, oh, but these aren't the answers
These are not the answers for you or me
I thought we had a deal
Although the previously mentioned solutions may have seemed like the answer, they are not. The promise of a different outcome has failed.
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Tomorrow, go forth
Go forth Luna
Urging Luna to move forward in the coming circumstances.
So go forth, go forth Luna
Go forth, go forth Luna
Encouragement for Luna to proceed forward despite potential obstacles.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARTIN NOBLE, JAN WILKINSON, NEIL WILKINSON, MATTHEW WOOD, ABIGAIL FRY, PHILLIP SUMNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bart van Lier
Top band!!!
Fran Arauz
go forthe!
go forthe, luna!