Set To See Them Play

By Brie Roche Lilliott, staff writer

Five Fullerton college kids started a band four years ago, and already they\’ve toured, released two albums, and have headlined shows at popular LA and OC venues. It looks like smooth sailing for the band members of Set To Sea.

If you\’re into the slow, instrumental ambience of Radiohead and Sigur Ros, then the mysterious sounds of Set To Sea are sure to please you. They recently released a second album, called The Dark Has Found A Home In Me, which accurately describes their deep lyrics and “dark” tone on the album. Many piano solos, extended vocal notes, and echoing guitar riffs contribute as well.

The five members of Set To Sea are Jacob Maag, vocals and lead guitar; Jala Tass, guitar; Josh Feaster, keys and backup vocals; Alain Luna, bass; and Braden Esquivel on drums. Most of the members met either in high school or at their church youth group, where they decided to begin playing. Beginning mostly as their church worship band, they gradually transitioned to writing their own lyrics and music.

The guys are signed by Northern Records, which produced and released their first EP, The Last Solid Ground, in April of 2009. It contained only five, loosely composed songs, and included favorites like “Run” and “The Last Solid Ground.” Now their full-length album mentioned above contains over twice as many tracks, including some repeats from the EP, and some brand-new songs.

Their song titles remain short and to the point most often, like “Sleepless”, “Listen”, or “Earth Song”; representing either the lyrics or sound of the track. The flow of the record is so smooth it almost resembles one long song rather than eleven separate tracks. Great transitions between songs add a consistency to the album that may surprise you when you\’ve already reached track nine.

Only a year or two ago, Set To Sea was the opening act at venues like Chain Reaction or local coffee shops, but they\’ve progressed quickly. Now they\’re opening for bigger bands like Deer Hunter and The Appleseed Cast at the Glasshouse, or even headlining shows at Chain Reaction and UCI. But if you check out their updates on Facebook or Myspace, you can still find them occasionally playing smaller, more intimate shows.

If things continue to prosper for Set To Sea, them seem well on their way to achieving strong Indie-fan recognition. They\’re great performers, so if you get the chance, see them perform live. If not, make sure to check out their music on iTunes, Facebook, or Myspace, and order a CD if you like what you hear. At this rate, “All There Is To See” may soon be changed to “All There Is To Hear.”