Sea of Men marks a triumphant return for Baths (Will Wiesenfeld) after a seven-year hiatus, offering the first glimpse into his forthcoming album Gut. The track is a masterclass in tension, built on a foundation of live drums (a first for Wiesenfeld’s typically solo productions) and guitar work that sparkles with harpsichord-like peculiarity.
What sets Sea of Men apart is its unflinching examination of carnal desire. Wiesenfeld’s lyrics navigate the murky waters between physical impulse and spiritual disconnect with dark humor and rare candor. “Appetite comes first,” he confesses over skittering percussion and destabilising synths, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the dissociative state he describes.
The production is notably more collaborative than previous Baths releases, featuring live drumming from Casey Dietz and Sam KS. This expanded palette gives the track a visceral energy that perfectly complements its themes of bodily disconnect and animal instinct. The percussion work is particularly striking, providing a restless foundation that never quite lets the listener settle into comfort.
The track never fully resolves its inherent tensions – and that’s precisely the point. Instead, it draws listeners deeper into its beautiful dysfunction, suggesting that Baths’ upcoming album Gut might be his most personally revealing and musically adventurous work to date. If Sea of Men is any indication, we’re in for a fearless exploration of desire, dissociation, and the messy space between physical and spiritual existence.
