Seely - Seconds (1997)

For its official second album Atlanta-based electronic quartet Seely stayed the course set by its earlier releases. The submerged, deadpan vocals of guitarist Lori Scacco and bassist Joy Waters strongly resemble those of Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier and Mary Hansen, and the warm, rich guitar-and-synth drone, subtly accented by co-producer Scott Herren's electronic arsenal, recalls not only that band but earlier influences My Bloody Valentine and the Cocteau Twins. The main difference is that SECONDS features much stronger songwriting than before. Though the brief soundscapes entitled "Intro" and "Outro" might suggest an overdose of ambience, Waters, Scacco, and guitarist Steven Satterfield work some intriguing melodic ideas into expansive tunes like "Syballine" and "Love Letters to Rambler," making SECONDS a mature, satisfying work instead of facile mimicry