Sand and Sea

On their fourth disc, the Crabs' sound changed dramatically with the first note on Tumbling Away. The addition of Sarah Dougher on organ and vocals added a fresh perspective to the Oregon-based band. John Lunsford's vocals are remarkably smoother than on earlier Crabs' efforts, especially on the second track, Market Size. Lisa Jackson and Dougher combine on the third track, Ladies' Choice Reprise, a short instrumental, complete with hand-claps. That song leads into Bricks of Gold, possibly the most awe-inspiring composition of the collection. It's the first display of Jackson and Dougher's perfectly-matched voices in duet. That song gives way to another instrumental, this time the title track. Dougher's organ adds an extra punch to the band's previous instrumental efforts. The album is undoubtedly more jangley and less noisy than earlier Crabs' recordings. Classic Crabs is, as the song title presumes, most like the rollicking numbers on earlier Crabs discs like Jackpot and Brainwashed, with Lunsford's guitar and vocals leading the attack. Possibly the catchiest song of the disc is at the end, the blissful and poignant I Surrender. Sand and Sea was recorded in two studios, at Calvin Johnson's Dub Narcotic Studio in Olympia, Washington. Other songs were recorded by Larry Crane at Jackpot in Oregon. ~ Stephen Cramer, All Music Guide