With a New Video SEIMS Show us that ‘Elegance Over Confidence’ is Cool ‣ CVLTARTES

Australian experimental rock project SEIMS revealed a brand new video for their first single ‘Elegance Over Confidence’ from the new album “Four” today.

The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Simeon Bartholomew, SEIMS has evolved into an explorational and formidable band over the course of several records. The new record showcases the band’s delicately crafted arrangements on tracks including the beguiling 65daysofstatic ‘Wild Light‘ era-tinged post-math-rock of ‘Elegance Over Confidence’, the soaring modern post-rock of The Mountain’s Scream, and the dark ‘Stranger Things’ evoking electro-prog of ‘Showdown Without A Victim’.

This piece is quite literal to the title. I’ve never been a fan of the athleticism that’s associated with math-rock, and this is all about hiding simplicity within complexity for showmanship’s sake. An ever-changing rotation of open-phrasing is being talked over by a rotation of 9/8 + 5/8 viola, cello, and piano movements. As we move through the passage of 14/8 over 4/4, we come out at Theme C – pure musical confidence in its single-mindedness – guitar and bass in Em 4/4 over a “four-to-the-floor” disco beat. You can’t get more rudimentary than that.
Simeon Bartholomew

The new album “Four” was written & produced by Simeon Bartholomew himself, engineered by Tim Carr (We Lost The Sea), mixed by Alex Wilson (sleepmakeswaves) & mastered by Jeff Lipton and Maria Rice. As well as Simeon performing bass, guitars, synths, piano & vocals himself, it also features blistering performances from Plini drummer Chris Allison, Kat Hunter & Susie Bishop on violins & Tangents/ FourPlay member Peter Hollo on cellos.

For the release of “Four” SEIMS has partnered with Australian labels Art As Catharsis and Bird’s Robe Records once again, as well as European vinyl label Dunk Records for the first time.

Simeon says: “I’ve always loved writing concept albums and after exploring the color spectrum and its contributions and interactions with itself, it made me think about a similar idea in the verbal medium. Four was initially inspired by the Myer Briggs indicator of personalities. I always found it fascinating how words on paper can change inference, intent, or perspective purely by someone’s speaking tone and demeanor, and also how it can be received or perceived based on your personality, context, and cognizance. This album is all about unintentionally misconstrued conversations – multiple voices/themes saying one thing, and being received or misinterpreted a very different way, for better or worse.”

Initially conceived as a one-man studio project in 2012, the band has expanded into a ferocious live act with some of Sydney’s most talented musicians. SEIMS has shared stages with a diverse array of acts including Tortoise, Regurgitator, We Lost The Sea & Jean Jean. They performed at back-to-back Progfest events in 2018 & 2019 and have toured Japan twice, featuring at Tokyo’s iconic math-rock festival Bahamasfest.

Director of Bird’s Robe Records Mike Solo says: “Love Sim, love SEIMS and love being able to share this awesome record with people. This is my absolute favorite SEIMS album to date, it’s got everything you know and loves about the band with plenty more innovation and craftsmanship on top. There’s such a good vibe on this record from start to finish and if you like any of the experimental math-rock, post-rock influences they’ve showcased in the past, you will love this. Check it out.”

In 2020 they were due to play the main stage at UK festival ArcTanGent, alongside Opeth, This Will Destroy You and Swans when the pandemic forced the postponement of the event. They are now due for their maiden UK/EU tour in 2022, again featuring a performance at ArcTanGent.