Bounding Main "Kraken Up!"

It would be rude to say I was Kraken Up when I heard the music, but I was absolutely intrigued by the play on words in the title, and more so by the cover. I do like acapella music, but do not listen to much of it. The first song is a nice introduction to the group with several harmonies upon this Bounding Main towards “Dogger Bank.” I would have to say that I like the harmonies of the next one even more than the first track; there is a round here and there, but isn’t there always in acapella? Not a very astute observance, but their tempo is a little quicker which makes it more enticing to me and this “Heilan’ Laddie.” In this next song I would have to say I am a fan of the tale that picks up the “Call of the Sea,” as well as the more relaxed tone of the backing vocals in slightly higher range. If you ask me I would say that “Saltpeter Shanty” seems to include the vocal stylings of Burl Ives; the most interesting thing about this song. I have heard of the tale of “Sloop John B,” but I have no idea where. I know it was a song by the Beach Boys, and covered by Relient K (among many others), but I don’t remember listening to either; The doo-wop flavor makes it a little more likable. The day we hear some strummed acoustic lightly in the background would be the “Day of the Clipper.” To spend most of your days thinking of a lovely lass that you wish to marry, and your nights thinking of her even more as you watch for anything out of the ordinary on the sea (no shore) and sing a quiet song is what “Night Watchman’s Lament” is all about; sung only by the female half of the group which sound spectacular. I’m just going to have to “Pull Down Below.” The slight theatrical aside in the beginning earns some points in this “Barbershop Shanty.” If you don’t mind my saying that it seems like the second half of the album seems a little more tolerable. I am a fan of the handclap “Rolling Up, Rolling Down;” a slightly funky rhythm and creating a Christmas Collage. I do not have much to say about the next song except that I like this French maritime song “Le Capitaine de St Malo.” The final song is said to have mutations on their website, said to be an anonymous parody (what like Straight No Chaser?! Not exactly, but is a good way to finish the album). As for recommendations I would have to say the last six songs are the best off of the record, but Day of the Clipper and Night Watchman’s Lament  is nice too.