Still Sea – Old Cells Will Die & Cover Every Lie EP

Still Sea was a short-lived but well-crafted post-hardcore project out of Salt Lake City, leaving a small but impressive mark on the scene before disbanding. Formed in late 2011, the band recorded their debut EP and embarked on a Spring tour through the Northwest in 2012. Over the summer, they continued writing and playing shows locally, with plans for a full-length release. Unfortunately, those plans were cut short when vocalist Derek Ballard moved to Salzburg, Austria, to pursue a career as a designer and illustrator.

Before Derek’s departure, Still Sea managed to record two final tracks, “Bruxism” and “Skinvelope,” in a rushed studio session in September 2012. These tracks wouldn’t see the light of day until a year and a half later, released digitally via their Bandcamp page. Despite the band’s short run, these songs stand as a testament to their talent and potential.

Musically, Still Sea’s sound strikes a balance between the emotive complexity of Off Minor and Hot Cross, the sheer intensity of Born Against, and the progressive tendencies of Botch and Cave-In. The intricate guitar work and dynamic arrangements make their recordings a standout in the post-hardcore landscape.

What truly sets Still Sea apart, however, are their lyrics. In the vein of bands like Four Walls Falling and the Ebullition Records catalog, Derek’s words confront themes of political injustice, bureaucratic absurdity, greed, and mortality. As he described, the lyrics don’t offer solutions but serve as a cathartic outlet for frustration and anger.

Though their time was brief, Still Sea delivered music that resonates deeply, blending interesting instrumentation with expansive, emotional discharge. For fans of politically conscious hardcore, this is a project worth revisiting.