Following on the heels of The Headwinds EP, Beneath the Brine shows that singer Liam McCormick's ambition was well placed. The breadth of arrangements - from dark, classical romanticism ("Beneath the Brine") to horn-laden sounds akin to the Roaring 20s ("Howl") - are complemented by the incredible range of McCormick's voice. Beneath the Brine also showcases The Family Crest's ability to infuse pop into complex arrangements, with songs like "Love Don't Go." The album is befitting the oceanic theme of the title and what SPIN notes as "ambition wide enough to swallow you whole."