"On Land and in the Sea" is the second studio album by the English rock band Cardiacs. It was released on August 1989 under the label Alphabet. The album continues the band's distinctive style of music, often classified as pronk, a portmanteau of progressive and punk rock, though the band themselves often refused to associate with any one specific musical style.
The album consists of 12 tracks, including notable songs such as "Victory Egg," "The Everso Closely Guarded Line," and "Wireless." Music critics praised the album for its unique blend of punk rock, psychedelic pop, and progressive rock music styles. It exemplified the Cardiacs' ability to create complex song structures, characterized by erratic rhythms and unusual time signatures.
A significant aspect about this album is the involvement of William D. Drake and Tim Quy, who took over keyboards and percussion respectively for this album, adding their unique styles to the music and making significant contributions to the band’s sound.
"On Land and in the Sea" is an embodiment of Cardiacs' surreal, chaotic, and colorful sound. It continues to be known as one of their most iconic works and holds a significant place in the development of their musical journey. Despite being lesser-known among mainstream audiences, the album has earned a loyal following over time and is highly regarded in underground and experimental music circles.
