Having trouble with the free download link, I initially went to the Seeed website to see if I could find the new single there. I made the mistake of first listening to an instrumental version of Molotov. Frankly, I was unimpressed. It was all electric guitars, drums, and synthesizers, closer to the style of metal than the dancehall infused reggae that has made Seeed so popular. Was this really what I had waited so long for? After spectacular solo albums from Peter Fox, Boundzound, and Dellé, was this really the best they could do?
Eventually they fixed the bugs on the download site, and I was able to finally listen to the song they are actually releasing. Thank heaven they included the vocal track that had been removed for the website. It makes the song at least 85% more listenable. That's not too bad, but still not nearly what I had expected.
Perhaps the greatest potential problem with Molotov is that it strays so far from built up expectations. Seeed has always been known for their powerful vocals, smooth and complex rhythm section, rollicking horns, and even a DJ to add some auditory spice. This new track lacks all but the familiar vocals. Standing by itself, Molotov is a decent enough tune. Standing together with the rest of Seeed's body of work, it just doesn't fit. I understand the need for bands to musically grow and evolve. If Molotov is any indication, Seeed hasn't just grown or evolved; it's not even the same band.
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