Seam - Berlitz (Official Music Video)

https://seam.bandcamp.com/

The song “Berlitz” by Seam, from their 1995 album Are You Driving Me Crazy?, is a standout track in the indie rock, slowcore, and Midwest emo genres, characterized by its introspective lyrics and shimmering guitar textures. Led by Sooyoung Park, formerly of Bitch Magnet, Seam crafted a sound that blended reticent melodicism with subtle, moving guitar washes, distinguishing them from their Chapel Hill contemporaries like Superchunk. “Berlitz” opens the album with a reflective tone, its lyrics—beginning with “I’ve forgotten the words again / But I’m sure and I’m sure and I’m sure”—evoking a sense of doubt and emotional weight, paired with a driving rhythm that captures the band’s ability to balance fragility and intensity.

The song’s title, “Berlitz,” evokes the challenge of articulation, mirroring the lyrics’ focus on forgotten words and miscommunication. This resonates with Seam’s broader discography, which often explores emotional isolation—a theme that might carry into the video’s visuals, perhaps showing disconnected or fragmented imagery.

Seam’s music, including “Berlitz,” emerged from a rich Chapel Hill scene, though the band relocated to Chicago before recording this album. Their sound, influenced by early emo bands like Rites of Spring, was raw and methodical, with Are You Driving Me Crazy? showcasing a polished yet haunting evolution from their earlier work like Headsparks (1992).

Seam’s lineup for Are You Driving Me Crazy? included Sooyoung Park, with contributions from members tied to Bitch Magnet and Superchunk. This pedigree lent credibility, but Seam carved a distinct niche with their introspective, less aggressive sound. The move to Touch and Go Records marked a pivotal shift, aligning them with Chicago’s thriving indie scene.