Album Notes

"Lia Rose sings with a deft yet natural sincerity, and similarly, her lyrics come across as truthful, passionate, and unforced. On Built For The Sea’s recent ep, Mise en Scène, Rose shows even more vocal control and a refined singing style from the band’s debut album released in 2006...

Along with Rose at the helm, Built For The Sea as a group have shown significant improvement in balancing instrumentation, in production, and in capitalizing on those moments of “magic” or perfect synchronization. The result as heard on Mise en Scène is the crème de la crème of dreamy, sentimental (but never crossing into melodramatic terrain, mind you) pop music."
-- Beyond Race Magazine

“On this independently released EP, the instrumentals sprawl luxuriously while the cohesive songwriting structure grounds Built for the Sea’s expansive, individual sounds… Rose’s haunting, hypnotic voice is more evocative of Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. Especially on the closing track, “Pacific,” Rose has a marvelous way of breathing life into every note with her sultry, expressive voice...

Well-timed swells of drums and guitar keep a rhythmic momentum that prevents all the dreaminess from lulling you to sleep. The band says, 'Ships are safe at harbor, but built for the sea' and I’m glad San Francisco’s self-described 'oceanic indie rockers' took the risk.”
--Amplifier Magazine


"True to its name, San Francisco’s Built for the Sea crafts lush indie-rock that is at once dreamy, hypnotic, and emotionally powerful."
--East Bay Express

"Built for the Sea’s sound can be described as dreamy indie pop music with Rose’s beautiful, haunting vocals at the forefront, backed by melodic instrumentals. The band’s passionate and lush live performances can captivate an audience, which has resulted in a loyal local fan base. Built for the Sea has been just as supportive of the local community as it has been of the band, making a case for reciprocity and the importance of friends. 'It’s not just about making money and promoting your own band – it’s about community,' says Rose. 'Make friends – make real friends – and actually go out there and support other bands.'”
--West Coast Performer Magazine

"Built for the Sea’s self-released, eponymous debut album plays like a well-crafted novel in which good exposition, rising action, and an emotionally ambiguous resolution form a complete picture. If you’re into relaxing on your screened-in porch in your rattan rocking chair on a drizzly, dreary day… Built for the Sea is your soundtrack."
--Wiretap Music

"There are those moments where you hear someone play music and you say, 'Holy Shit. Must record.' Terri [Winston, Women's Audio Misson] was teaching a basics recording class, when student Lia Rose opened her mouth to sing and Terri had the moment mentioned above ... It's obvious what Terri heard, Lia's voice is captivating and beautiful. The band is versatile and play well, and Terri's recording and production prove that she is more than qualified to be teaching recording. Mastered by our pal Sarah Register @ The Lodge, NYC."
--Tape Op Magazine

"Few band names seem more SXSW-appropriate than pop outfit Built for the Sea. In an ocean of songwriters, singer Lia Rose is as prepared as anyone to breech the vastness. Able to sound loud and delicate without falling beneath the roar of her band, Rose sailed above the late afternoon heat for a set that proved memorable in an environment saturated with talent."
--7x7 Magazine

"Built for the Sea took the stage next and put on the night’s most impressive performance....the band’s tight instrumentals and the strength of Rose’s dreamy vocals and lyrics inspired a call for an encore at the end of Built for the Sea’s set - pretty impressive for a middle slot."
--West Coast Performer Magazine