Thrill Jockey heavyweights, The Sea and Cake, have released their 6th full length record today, entitled Everybody. Double Time Feel has anxiously awaited this record, and from the first listen from beginning to end we are reminded why. Sea and Cake fans have a devoted following here in Chicago (and elsewhere I'm sure), and this record will do more to strengthen that notion.

The record kicks off with 'Up on Crutches', a song that exemplifies the Sea and Cake sound. A mid tempo guitar riff and a bouncy bass line give way to John McEntire's drums and an ever-so slightly overdriven guitar. As the song begins to take shape, the soothing voice of Sam Prekop starts the record on a great note.

The Sea and Cake aren't necessarily known for their innovation in terms of being a genre-defining band, but their prowess for writing consistently solid records is hard to argue with. For my tastes, Everybody represents a step up from their 2003 release, One Bedroom. The songs are very guitar-centric and rely on a rock solid rhythm section, and the just-above-a-whisper vocals of Prekop and Archer Prewitt are always the highlight.

If you are already a fan of the band, I don't think the record will do much to sway your opinion either way. The Sea and Cake will continue to sound like The Sea and Cake, and with fantastic results. I'll never understand why bands catch so much flak for producing one sound, because not every band needs to reinvent the wheel or challenge convention with every release. Everybody is such a great record because there is no filler, and it plays to the strengths of what make The Sea and Cake so revered in the city of Chicago. My only beef with the band lies in the fact that 1) they are relatively slow when it comes to releasing records, and 2) live shows are a rarity.

If you aren't too familiar with the band but you enjoy a great pop song every now and again, I'd highly recommend checking this record out. Sample 'Crossing Line' from the Thrill Jockey website, or check them out live during a 2 set evening at the Empty Bottle on May 31st.