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Artist: In Oceans |
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In Oceans - Remember the name and where you saw it, because this local band won't only be known as a local if this 5-track EP is anything to go by. I must warn you, be prepared to have your head messed with due to the music they perform. Rock, Funk, Prog, Jazz, Punk, you name it, it's all there thrown together in a mixture of pure energy that you will not have heard for quite a while, and won't for a while after either. Beginning with 'Less Chat More Rat', the quiet intro is misleading to say the least because suddenly all hell breaks looks! That mixture of styles mentioned taken over and you don't recover until ... December at the earliest I'd say! The complexity of the song is extraordinary yet compelling to listen to, and I could throw bands at you like System Of A Down or Head Automatica when it comes to the vocalist's style, but as a band, In Oceans are definitely on their own. 'Kaleidoscope' opens as if they are intent in bringing the tempo down a touch, the light fingered solos and rolling bass gently edges matters along to begin with, then off they go again! You can't help but appreciate the clever musicianship this band has between them, especially the drummer on this track who's staggered off-beat style sells the track. This bunch just up the ante with 'Sharks', its double take of funky bass and fast paced rock making you wonder just what's coming next. The vocalist seems to be having a ball as he lets his demons out, going from calm and eloquent one moment to spitting his words out in fury in another. Two minutes in and you come across a picky guitar riff that will take your head to a place it ain't comfortable with as it drills its way into your brain, but is a clever moment on what is a stunning song. 'Crooked' could well be the band's own 'Incubus' point on the EP, the rock/funk vibe creating a calming effect as it takes the mood down to chill-zone! There's still a hint of Serj Tankian about the vocals, but its well suited to what this band do, as a pop vocal would be well out of place!, so long may that continue. In Oceans leave the most, dare I say, "normal" track 'til last, 'Mating Rituals' is as radio-friendly as they get here, but I doubt if that's what the lads are aiming for and good on them for that. It's rat-a-tat drum intro takes you into a foot-tapping funk-fest that hits the mellow button in parts, but still holds onto its off the wall raw energy blasts, just to keep you on your toes. At 7 minutes long, this is the song that shows the real talent the band have and how flexible they are in their sound. Like many rock fans out there, we have a tendency to have the Ostrich syndrome about us when it comes to new bands, but I'd advise you to take notice of In Oceans and if possible see them live. They are down to earth, have no "Rockstar" attitude about them, they just let their music do their talking for them and that's their main appeal. Just give your head plenty of time to get back to normal once the gig is over, it'll need it! Check them out on www.facebook.com/inoceans too if you like, you're more than welcome. Review
by: Bob Baldwin |
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Tracklisting:
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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