Album Review: Tombstones In Their Eyes “Sea Of Sorrow”

Come set sail across the “Sea of Sorrow”— the latest offering from Los Angeles shoegaze rock band, Tombstones In Their Eyes, cast listeners along on their jaunting voyage. This full-length album follows the release of their 2022 EP A Higher Place and features some of frontman John Treanor’s favorite creations of the past few years. With no shortage of fuzzed-out guitars, reverbed vocals and sonorous hallucinations that absorb the listener from seemingly every direction, this album is similar to what we know and love of TITE’s previous work, but with additional harmonies along the way.

While their lineup is ever-shifting, the band currently is comprised of John Treanor (guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, songwriter,) Nic Nifoussi (bass,) Paul Boutin (guitar,) Phil Cobb (lead guitar,) Courtney Davies (vocals,) Stephen Striegel (drums/percussion,) and James Cooper (midi/drum programming, synths, musical guidance) whom have expertly crafted their blend of psychedelic and shoegaze rock stylings. Their sixth studio album Sea of Sorrow was released May 16th via Kitten Robot Records.

Opening track, “Trapped” is shoegaze perfection as we are met with an enormous wall of fuzz and monodrone vocals, furthered by a propulsive guitar solo bridge that adds a sense of urgency. “The Bitter Ones” features an excitingly disruptive guitar bridge before Treanor resumes singing about those people we know all too well (“This is a song for the angry people/unhappy people/ the bitter ones”). Followup track “Life” feels upbeat, optimistic and psychedelic in nature, with a driving beat from drummer, Stephen Striegel and beautiful backing vocals from Courtney Davies. This is just what Treanor needs as he acknowledges the inevitable duality of life: the good days and the bad days, the happy and the sad. 

“We Are Gold” provides a striking contrast and change of pace, starting off with a simple yet commanding drumbeat as opposed to the immediate noise of the first three tracks. Peaceful and reassuring, Treanor reminds us, “It’s a beautiful life/ We can take our time… We are gold.” The song builds powerfully until Striegel emerges louder than thunder on the cymbals. Suddenly, we are left with nothing but a haunting echo ringing out to the end. The message behind the song resonates deeper with every second.

Standout track “Hey Man” is a chanting rock anthem, impossible not to sing along as it loops and layers. “Numb” is both vulnerable and catchy as hell. Even in the absence of Treanor’s voice, the guitars continue to express a deep sense of desire and despair. 

Despite the name of the song, “Hope” may be the most melancholy track on the album. Treanor sings of having no hopes or dreams, wallowing in complete misery until unexpectedly stunning listeners with a sprawling and epic choir of sound. Multi-layered and absolutely gorgeous, this impactful moment marks a glorious awakening after struggling with a gripping depression. 

If it isn’t obvious from the song titles and album name, Treanor is not one to shy away when it comes to speaking of his previous struggles with depression and drug abuse. During a recent interview with Psychedelic Baby Magazine, the singer explained how “Life is a storm and we’re all just trying to stay afloat.”  Nautical themes cast aside, this album addresses heavy content throughout, but like a caring hand on the shoulder, offers comfort and support to anyone who is currently going through, or has ever been through a similar storm. 

Treanor’s brilliant and expressive songwriting, supported by such talented musicians, makes Sea of Sorrow an album you will not soon forget. It guides listeners on a journey through immense darkness, but does not fail to accentuate the glimmer of hope and light that is ever-present on the horizon. 

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