Admiration can only take a band so far. Thankfully, Run For Cover Records’s melodic post-hardcore quartet, Seahaven, recognize that. Their 2010 debut, Ghost EP, was an exposé in Brand New idolatry. With Winter Forever, Seahaven have found their own sound. Decidedly more punkish, Winter Forever covers some heady subjects without coming across as too sophisticated. General angst, depression and loneliness are presented in a fashion that leaves the listener sufficiently moved, but not saturated.

Winter Forever does not get its namesake from flowery emotions and poppy arrangements. Alas, it is the latter which unexpectedly appears throughout the record, as the group has a knack for writing hooks without ever treading into Man Overboard territory. The overtly grunge infused “Slow Down” and the twisting “End Of The World” are prime examples of how vocalist Kyle Soto can make the least adhesive chorus stick. His nasally delivery, although off-putting at first, is reminiscent of early Jordan Pundik.

At its core, Winter Forever, is a punk album. Anger pours from the knee-buckling lyrics (“Goodnight”) and finds its way into even the most peaceful of tracks (“Honey Bee”). “We both look better in the dark so I’ll do it while we’re sleeping // That way I will not reflect my father’s defining feature.” This pent-up animosity is a connecting theme throughout Winter Forever, often manifesting in the form of confusion and disappointment. “Understanding” is by far the poppiest track onthe record, highlighting the basement-show work ethic that permeates every note on Winter Forever. “Thank You” is straight out of the Taking Back Sunday playbook, duel vocals and all. Alas, many of the tracks could be aided by more complex musicianship.

Yet, it is when Seahaven play heavy bruisers that they truly shine. “Black & White” is cripplingly stellar, weaving between The Republic Of Wolves sound and angry tantrums. The haunting “Honey Bee” is a nice break from the distorted guitars and heated vocals, electing instead to be minimalistic. Unfortunately, closer “PV” comes off slightly pretentious and sports an odd bridge, but in typical Seahaven fashion, the chorus saves the track.

Winter Forever is not ground breaking, but it does point in a direction where Seahaven could find tremendous success down the road. They are a member of the first generation of Brand New-inspired melodic groups and while their contemporaries are medaling in ever more melodic soundscapes (The Republic Of Wolves, Balance And Composure), they have forged the path toward a pop-melodic hybrid. In all, Winter Forever is a decidedly complex and dark record that Seahaven have managed to present in an easily digestible package. 

★★★.5/★★★★★

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze