Ever wondered what it’s like to return to your local port, filthy and sunburnt? Disembark a boat? Jump into a barrel of grog and forget your recent troubles? And then rejoice as you recount the epic journey you’ve just had?
Well, hailing from Umeå, in the north of Sweden, Ye Banished Privateers aim to provide it all! And with their 6th studio album, Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead, out on April 11, 2025 via Napalm Records, it’s only a heave ho away!
You want grand adventure? Aye!
Tales of sorrow? Aye!
Rum? Aye!
Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead offers all that and more.Beginning strong with The Cranker, a real foot tapper that will have you singing along and shouting “his wheel kept on spinning and so did we!” with all your gut and before you know it you’ve fallen under the devil’s spell just as they did—and it doesn’t stop there! Wrapped behind the fun, jovial atmosphere, is the reality of the song and as with all good folk songs, in the lyrics you find the real meat of what Ye Banished Privateers offer.
No matter which song you listen to, every lyric is well-crafted to tell a real story, pulling you into a journey with the band. Every song lends itself to a moment in time, before, during or even after a voyage and you feel every second of it within this album and by the end, you’ll find yourself feeling like you were there too.
Much like a Broadway musical, each song introduces you to different characters and moments that are poignant and shape their lives, creating a real sense of journey once the album ends. It really lends itself to the abilities of the band and when you have a headcount of 18-30 members you can bet there is a lot of talent to go around! You really feel it too, none of it is wasted. There are many instruments, all of which play their part well, giving into the reality that is being built in front of you. From the clanking of grog in Raise Your Glass to the lone drum in Sailmakers Song, you are treated to a different style of folk that never loses sight of what the band wants to portray.Showcasing Ye Banished Privateers’ ability to change it up is Waves Away.Written from the point of view of a lover left behind when adventures begin, this is a sad tale of loss and inability to accept reality. The vocals consistently break, heightening the heartbreaking sense of devastation, whilst the instruments demonstrate the gravity of a goodbye. A goodbye that was only meant to be temporary—but turns out to be forever.
But just as that sorrow threatens to set in, the album lifts our spirits with my personal favourite and standout song of the album (that is also going at lightspeed into my favourites playlist) A Final Toast to Oliver Cromwell. Both hilarious and well performed on all fronts, it will have you excited to pull it out at any event and annoy all your friends with your karaoke version, which will certainly not do the song justice but will absolutely have any glass raised and all tricornes tipped within a 30-mile radius.
For lovers of seafaring, pirate (apologies, banished privateers) focused folk music, this album is an easy must listen but where does it fall short? Honestly, for the most part, it doesn’t. I wanted to mention the vocals, and ask for a more, fuller, louder and perhaps wider range but after finishing the album, I really don’t think they need it. Ye Banished Privateers came together to create a story-telling musical experience and that is exactly what you get. You do not need epic highs or lows when you already have the audience swaying.I do prefer an album to end on a big high however, and this one ends on a solemn, heartfelt note, and that always leaves me wishing we got an encore, that last burst of energy is always a welcome one. I suppose for me, what’s missing is more hand clapping, toe tapping, jaunty beats! But that certainly doesn’t take away any enjoyment from the whole album.
Overall, Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead is a triumphant voyage of storytelling, excitement and song, well worth setting sail with! Whether you’re looking to raise a glass, stomp your feet or just yearn for the high seas, this album really delivers. A solid 9/10 and a hearty ‘aye’ from me!
Review by Daniel Bunten