Ocean Grove "Oddworld" (2024)

Having struck gold with Flip Phone Fantasy and Up In The Air Forever, could our Aussies from down under make it three for three? Oddworld sticks with the winning formula. Brimming with enthusiastic energy, their high octane production pushes out another bunch of upbeat banger reveling in the Rap Metal Limp Bizkit inspired lane of Nu Metal. With a little less rap in the mix, shades of Brit Pop return with an emphasis on the soaring Oasis alike, hands behind the back, singing. So to can one hear a sampling footprint from the early Rave years of fellow Brits The Prodigy on Raindrop.

At twenty five minutes, Oddworld is notably shorter. Less songs and two interludes highlight a sense of lacking potency. They've put forward their best but there's less to go around. Cell Division and Fly Away roar out the gate with pace and groove. Slamming riffs, quirky melodies and soaring singalongs set the tone. Stunner and Raindrop keep things flowing, spinning the same ideas through expectant motions. 

 Interlude No Offence Detected revives some Limp Bizkit vibes again with the quirky perusing baseline. It doesn't lead anywhere, as the band proceed to spin their wheels. Last Dance offers a shift in tone. Shimmering guitars and atmospheric reverberating noise creates a loud moody softness to mellow in a heartfelt sorrow. Album closer OTP makes its mark, pivoting to a hard hitting, darkly electronic beat. Built to house ear catching raps, their guests verses' fail to make the concept a memorable one.

Despite being lively, uplifting and infectious, the record suffers a sense of routine as only a couple of songs reach beyond the fundamentals of their sound for something great. It could also be a case of fatigue or familiarity on my behalf but sadly my enjoyment has dropped from the ecstatic highs their last two outings bestowed.

Rating: 7/10

My Top 10 Albums Of 2022

 
Reviewing the shortlist, It didn't take me long to pick out ten. Quite a few bands, Slipknot, Puppy & Ghost to name a few, have come through with solid efforts but what were the moments that resonated the most? Novelty tends to be a strong fancy yet sometimes a dose of what you know and love has sticking power. This year didn't produce as many deep impressions, with exception for the top two, clear favorites that are still mesmerizing. I look forward to giving this all a listen again in coming weeks!

 

(10) Frank Klepacki & The Tiberian Sons "Lay To Waste" (2022) link

The re-ignition of Frank's C&C era music has been an absolute delight. Although parts of this brief four track EP may have been clunky and obtuse. Its spirit melds that Industrial Metal magic with Power Metal gleams and fantastical RPG VGM themes to a degree that's grown on me. In general its exciting to hear these musicians working on this sound. Even not if exactly what I wanted, together, they have so much potential to appeal to my nostalgia!

(9) Chaosbay "Boxes" (2022) link

A front runner in a post-Periphery era, these Germans made such a remarkable impression with their high octane meld of gleaming melody and hard hitting Djent. Its a juxtaposition that can play to delights on occasion and this EP captured a consistent magic stunningly. Like anthems, its soaring choruses got stuck in the mind and its five songs continue to bestow crunchy, shinny magic.

(8) Malcolm Horne "Mending" (2022) link

Malcolm returns to the top list again with another warm, endearing record of Jazzy Hip Hop beats, now fine tuned for a calmer atmosphere. Mending, crafted for streamers, finds balance and consistency as its flow of gentler crafts keeps one safe while accompanying adventures. This intention is felt so well as the record strides smoothly for its hour duration. An easy pleasure for sure!

(7) Nas "King's Disease III" (2022) link 

Seeming like a routine entry now, the "Goat" returns with an undeniable assembly of rhymes to grip this listener with a dose of the Hip Hop I adore, done to a level of excellence. Its main fault is its strength. That persistent theme. Lacking a little surprise, Nas continues strong with an installment to stand head and shoulders above anything I heard in the scene this year.

 

(6) Sabaton "The War To End All Wars" (2022) link

As a newly indoctrinated fan, I got another dose of exactly what I wanted. Their WW1 themed music got a second stint, recycling the same musical ideas and pumping out more of what works. It can't go on forever but as a result of such, they pulled of another cracking record that gets me fired up again and again. 

(5) Warpaint "Radiate Like This" (2022) link

 

 With so many crooning grooves, gleaming warmth and vulnerable emotive singing, this one read a resounding impression I've gone back to plenty of times. In need of warmth from a sincere, beautiful, endearing place, Radiate Like This has a sweet tone to indulge with. An exploration of prior records has taught me this band like to experiment and explore. I doubt they will repeat this formula, usually leaning to a darker grit. The Ethereal aesthetic here will likely be my favorite of theirs.

 

 

(4) The Weeknd "Dawn FM" (2022) link

You can't escape the Blinding Lights, however the craft of a whole record triumphs here as Weeknd takes on a nostalgic re-imagination of 80s Synth and Michael Jackson's singing style. With that music so rooted from my childhood it was beyond a pleasure to enjoy such a masterful handling of creative vision. In retrospect, the radio interludes are a little on the nose and break up its flow. Its also a record of two halves, the first I find much more appealing.

(3) Ocean Grove "Up In The Air Forever" (2022) link

In another case of "all I want is a repeat". Ocean Grove deliver the goods with another fantastic chapter. Re-imagining the Brit Pop, Grunge, Alternative Rock and Metal of the 90s with a splash of 00s pop too, its appeal ran deep. Little advanced beyond its original concept plotted last record. Perhaps this time a little less aggression and metallic tone but in that absence the catchyness and energy goes a distance. Another cracking record of back to back great tunes.

(2) Arcanist "Hyperborea" (2022) link

I'd consider these Dungeon Synth adjacent spaces a spot for both genius and low-effort clones to emerge. Discovering the better is always a delight for a genre I feel still as much to offer if done like this pair of records has been. My top two this year both take the biscuit in going the distance. With touches of Berlin School and vivid imaginations for fantastical journeys, each offers a vastly different experience yet steeped in powerful musical exploration, they both bare freeing structures and a musical ethos for exploring unchained dynamics between instruments.

(1) Old Sorcery "Dragon Citadel Elegies" (2022) link

As part of my streaming music arsenal, Old Sorcery edges out through its familiarity and repeated listens. If felt obvious early on yet as the months roll by its fantastical character and sense of adventure persisted. Old Sorcery has always felt like an artist with a unique voice but in this conclusion of the Castle trilogy, it's matured greatly. Perhaps The Hand Of Merlin soundtrack helped with that development as Dragon Citadel Elegies instrumental composition feels expanded. Either way, this is one artist to keep an eye on!

Ocean Grove "Up In The Air Forever" (2022)

 

Highly anticipated and warmly received, Up In The Air Forever is a spirited return to the modernized 90s mania of Flip Phone Fantasy. As my favorite record of recent years, a new batch of catchy ear worms are more than welcome. With this new chapter comprised of ten songs, the Australian group rework the formula through the wall of sound aesthetic for a true part two. I couldn't of asked for more, clearly there was more fuel in the tank as this sound simply does not tire on this adoring listener.

With glimmers of Nu Metal in groove and vibes akin to Grunge and the late 90s Pop scene, Ocean Grove get laser focused on catchy hooks and simple song structures. With grabbing guitar riffs and a dense, slamming production that channels all the instruments into a wonderful aesthetic stream, their three minute songs burn through inspiration thick and fast. Every track has its own flavor, most often a keen nostalgic throwback too. Its either Dale Tanner's breezy singing or some distinct guitar riff but everything has its roots in the past yet feels completely fresh and fun.

The one moment where the band reveal their hand all too abashedly is on the brief two minute HMU. Its dreamy intro cuts into a 90s/00s Pop / Hip Hop crossover track. Jiving percussion and punchy guitar grooves set stage for flirtatious lyrics. For me, its practically a flashback to days on the couch after school watching MTV. I couldn't finger the exact song but perhaps something by No Doubt would be a close call?

Fortunately its a great track. The band understand that period well. To drop some more names, Nirvana and Oasis are two other bands I frequently pick up vibes on. Especially the vocals, I frequently hear that arms behind back Gallagher singing. Even more so, I get a keen sense that the best of 90s Pop Music had a stronger influence on these musicians as the hooks, lyrics and cadence just seem to fit snugly with my memory of that era. Nostalgia aside, the group bring a strong sense of identity, wrapped in the spirit and moment of being a youthful band in their prime.

Musically its the production, handled by drummer Sam Bassal, that has their stamp of authority. The most simple elements hit hardest. The bass kicks like a dance floor thud. The snare snaps through the intensity, the pair power every track a strong groove. The shape of riffs and catchy melodies reach to the forefront with a bold emphasis. Its simple to digest at first yet giving more attention, a web of details, textures and electronics feel wedged into the engulfing sound too.

Having binged the record for a week, I can barely decipher my favorites. One great moment flows into the next and the vibrant energy rarely ceases, cooling off with the title track drifting off into a dreamy Etheral Rave of sorts. A lot of my adoration resists the analysis I try to bring to the experience. This band genuinely remind me of first falling in love with music where bands could do no wrong and anything you could get into was wonderful. I just want to soak in their vibes and enjoy every moment.

Rating: 9/10

My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2020

 

The one thing you can count on is music! Whatever is happening in the world there never seems to be a shortage of good records, new and old. Each year I aim to discover new artists and each year I seem to reflect that I should of done more. What is becoming more prevalent here on the blog is "rediscovering" old artists, going back over there catalogs and immersing myself in music enjoyed many moons ago, often finding songs that slipped between the cracks and getting a richer sense of the musicians behind it all. That will continue this year no doubt and I've included one in the list again!

(10) Bolt Thrower

I believe it was a cover of a Bolt Thrower song that lured me onto this British Death Metal outfit. I'd heard of them plenty over the years and checking them out I loved the mid-tempo crushing and subtle sense of groove. Straight forward songs that grab you with a mighty aesthetic that steamrolls its way forward. I will throw another record of theirs on the playlist for the coming year!

 

(9) Malcolm Horne

 

Warm bright and jazzy, these Jazz Hop beats and there fusion with synth tones make for inviting music. Whats also interesting is finding him through a different medium livestreaming on Twitch. Its not the normal way I find new music but anyway Is a good way and I hear a lot of potential in the best songs on the debut record. One to keep an eye on for more music in the future!

 

(8) Clipping

Unfortunately I can't revel in the praise others have thrown on this unique group. Having enjoyed their catalog now, Ive got a good sense of what they are about. Its a different experience, one that doesn't quite click with me but undoubtedly I will follow them closely in the future, if not for intriguing music but hopefully something will snap into place and I can enjoy them on another level.

(7) The Crystal Method

Its only the one record so far but their debut Vegas instantly snapped into place with that 90s feel of Electronica and Big Beat. Its stuck with me as a record for a particular mood and can put on and fall into. Will throw another onto next years playlist.

(6) Backxwash

Already in My Top Albums Of 2020 list, Backxwash makes it to this one too for having a highly competent and interesting flow. Given how stylistically directed this project was, I can't help but feel their talents with rapping can go beyond it. As I often say, one to follow and keep an eye on for whats next.

(5) Cult Of The Damned

A random stumble on Youtube and I was immediately hooked! I must admit I'm not sure this Rap collective have the lasting power but their flavor is spicy and exciting. I've been binging them a lot and it looks like new material is on the horizon for 2021.

(4) Old Sorcery

If ever Dungeon Synth feels explored in and out, something comes along to shake things up. Not only does Old Sorcery infuse some fantastical old school synth ideas but in the process crafts some really wonderful songs. The latest turn into Black Metal doesn't yield the same excitement for me so I am hoping for a return to roots with the next project so to speak.

(3) Bathory

Of all the nostalgic dives into music from my youth, Bathory has been the best of them all. Not only did I get a fuller picture of what I already loved but found a bunch of new gems and got a real sense of the artist and their journey through some tepid times in the 90s. Although a career cut tragically short, it ended on a high with the Nordland records I had barely touched back when I discovered this massively influential artist in the world of dark and extreme music.

(2) Ocean Grove

They have my album of the year but were also a fun discovery to dive into their debut record an EPs. I actually found them right around the release of this sophomore record. Initially a rather run of the mill Metalcore outfit, their jumpy evolution seems to have blossomed into a beastly brew of sunny energy just fit for my tastes. I'm left itching for more.

(1) Grimes

 I'd heard of Grimes quite some time ago and only this year got around to her music. Art Angels sucked me in and I absolutely adore its vibes. Alongside Flip Phone Fantasy its been my must spun record of the year. Her voice is a wonder and the playful vibes are uplifting and warming. Her earlier catalog is more experimental, less charming but fun. With Miss Anthropocene she dipped toes into a darker tone in places. Not quite as killer but I hope she can hit her stride again in the future.

My Top 10 Albums Of 2020

This year has undoubtedly been one turned upside down by pandemic turmoil running amuck among the globe. Fortunately the music still flows, perhaps not as it would of been without covid. Having listened to less than usual this year, there was quite a few additional records I considered for the top list. Ordering out records is arbitrary anyways, Id say the top five here where the clear favorites that had defined some of the best music I encountered this year, although of course, this list only focuses on releases from 2020. Tomorrow I'll cover musical discoveries as is tradition.

 
(10) IGORRR "Spirituality And Distortion" link

As one of the more interesting takes on extreme music in recent memory, Spirituality And Distortion sets a landmark for once experimental ideas blossoming brightly into wonderful music. IGORRR has come a long way, evolving from a bedroom experiment into a band and now finding what ticks beyond the novel on a cracking record with little to fault.

(9) Plini "Impulse Voices" link

Its inevitable that a Plini record will end up on my top list. With such a high level of curation I will undoubtedly by engulfed by this Progressive Metal indulgence of melodic delight. Although little can surprise in terms of style and direction, Its always a masterclass in guitar and composition that I am a sucker for.

(8) Backxwash "God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It" link

Fantastic discovery this year with Canadian rapper Backxwash making a fine impression. This short record is concise, to the point yet wonderfully artist and dynamic, fusing the darkness of Metal with keen Raps and trendy percussion. A fantastic take on crossover between the two genres. One to watch out for in the coming year!

(7) Haken "Virus" link

Having followed Haken for a few years now, they had yet to really strike a nerve but this record did that! Having hit a stride on their last outing, Virus arrives continues in a similar vein as these now seasoned veterans deliver a Prog Metal masterclass! Riveting record.

(6) Deftones "Ohms" link

The Deftones will always muster excitement from me. Gore was one of those records that initially seems exciting and fresh but with time tired to sound like one of their worst. I'm certain Ohms wont suffer that same fate. Their pivot in tone and inclusion of retro synths yielded something fantastic and lasting. Its amazing how this band keep reinventing themselves.

 (5) Zeal And Ardor "Wake Of A Nation" link

Zeal And Ardor have been one to keep a close eye on since their inception and this EP, despite being short, was a brilliant and fiery reflection on the racial movements spreading across the globe this year. The manifestation of anger and frustration into music darkness was simply brilliant and keeps me excited for whatever they will do next! 

(4) Code Orange "Underneath" link

A force in the world of brutality, Code Orange return with a focused vision, steering into Industrial territory and terrorizing all who listen with their manic ferocity. Infused with synths and glitched production magic, this is a real meaty slab of aggression to pick apart. The songs behind its aesthetics and design have really lasted the year well.

(3) Tame Impala "The Slow Rush" link

Loving this synthetic fusion with Psychedelic Rock, the return of Tame Impala gave me exactly what I wanted, which was more of the Currents magic! These songs felt a little sharper and the reflective tone of the recording was endearing. Over the year the songs have really held up well.

(2) Myrkur "Folkesange" link

Utterly charming from the offset, this pivot to pure nostalgic Scandinavian folk tales was stunning. I let it simmer for a while and then binged again in the winter months. Amalie Bruun's voice is sublime and together with the instrumentation they conjure a vivid sense of rural, heathen life surrounded by natural beauty. Truly endearing, Vinter was a favorite to play during Christmas. 

(1) Ocean Grove "Flip Phone Fantasy" link

Something felt special about this band right from the offset. Hailed as a Nu Metal, Rap Metal revival I had to check them out. What I found though blew me away. These guys are more 90s than the decade itself. The energy and nostalgic vibes are no tribute but a reinvention of old ideas channeled through a brimming wall of sound production that gives off endless energy. Initially it was my workout record, binging on it for months on end and since then I've been astonished at how its magic hasn't tired after so many repetitions. Even learning to play it on guitar now! Just makes it even better. Can't wait to see what they do next!

Ocean Grove "Dream" (2020)

 

Reporting on this three track release of b-sides is more so an excuse to remind you all this amazing band exists. Flip Phone Fantasy has to be my album of the year and Dream brings a little extra from that session for us to enjoy. Its title track is another 90s vibes extravagance, fulled with rich octane guitars strumming out power chords in a stride and bursting with lively drums, its cruises sweetly to the sun with mid tempo late summer vibes. Led by Dale Tanners soaring voice, it very much reminds me of Liam Gallagher in spots. The song however is rather one dimensional, with little variety and a routine crescendo to see it out with a simple melodic overtone, its easy to see why it didn't make the cut.

That's not to say its a bad song, it just doesn't reach the heights on the album. The accompanying acoustic version of Shimmer is a nice touch that holds up on the songwriting front. The glossy production with layers of airy reverberation gives it a similar wall of sound feeling even without the brimming distortion guitars. Sunny is notably labeled as a remix, its distortion guitars stripped out, a Trap drum groove thrown in too. It exposes the other layers of sound from the mix with more clarity. A nice way to enjoy the song on a new level. Again, the songwriting holds up, just affirming my love of this record I have binged hard and its magic still persists! Go check it out If you have not already.

Rating: 3/10

Ocean Grove "Black Label" (2015)

In light of whats to come on their debut record The Rhapsody Tapes, the Australian group can be heard here at the crossroads, steadily shedding their Metalcore roots and bringing about the Nu Metal elements to their sound. Black Label strangely parallels this trajectory as some Deathcore elements in the opening tracks gets weened out as more Nu Metal ideas inch in. Guitar tones, vocal stylings, syncopated riffs and the classic creepy Korn high pitched guitar noises all tend to mirror the genre that peaked twenty years ago. Although Ocean Grove pull it off with an enjoyable presence of expression, at times some of these ideas undoubtedly pull from the smellier side of Nu Metal, which there was a lot of back at its peak.

They are yet to land on the right arrangement of elements that will forge the gold to come, however Luke Holmes unleashes his clean vocals for the first time here and they are fantastic, pretty much the best moments by far. It feels a little uncohesive with the downtrodden glumness this breed of Nu Metal has baked into it and the arsenal of riffs, the booming slams or quirky melodies, fail to reach any particular summits. Its descent into this sound even has some classic DJ scratches cropping up in the final song, something I'm glad they didn't pursue in the same vein. An interesting record, really glad they were able to work out all the kinks reviving this old style.

Rating: 5/10

Ocean Grove "Outsider" (2013)

Having been floored by The Rhapsody Tapes and more so Flip Phone Fantasy, I owed it to the Australian band to go back and investigate their Metalcore roots. Outsider is a short seventeen minute, six track affair of generic scene music with little to distinguish itself in the wake of the Architects take on this sound. A similar intensity takes hold with booming Djent tone guitars fraying up assaults of chunky guitar noise between hazardous throaty screams and a sprinkling of vulnerable clean vocals intended to expressive the emotive side where introspective melodies intervene.

The sound itself has never drew me in however I'll give credit to the band for making it an enjoyable listen. Their performance is capable with a few notable hiccups in its more complex arrangements. Production is solid and in one or two moments they show a little sensibility for groove that might just be early manifestations of their progression as a band into Nu Metal territory. At this point though they are firmly part of the trend and given I was never too keen on it, I don't really know to what extent you'd say this is original or not but at least it makes for a good listen!

Rating: 4/10

Ocean Grove "Flip Phone Fantasy" (2020)

My attention has been captivated, the astonishment elevated as once again musics deeply fulfilling emotions strike hard! Unearthing this band around the release of this sophomore record has been a miraculous blessing. Along with the likes of recent discoveries, Puppy, Turnstile and Ho99o9, that exuberant youthful energy has been invigorated again but this time Ocean Grove completely blow the lid of my noggin. I have to control myself, the binging is excessive yet the music keeps delivering.

The Australian group left The Rhapsody Tapes with strong metallic roots. A glow of modern metal, the nostalgic bounce of Nu Metal and a Metalcore aggressiveness are left in the shadows as the band loosen up and evolve with a significant line up change. New vocalist Dale Tanner brings about a similar presence, elevating musical energy but his leanings into the style of classic Rap Metal and summery singing in the spirit Noel Gallagher gives them a diverse new approach to the nostalgia.

The track Sunny being a particular gem, summer of 96 vibes with Oasis on the airwaves and football glory on the mind... A peach of a song with a brilliant Nirvana alike guitar solo to bring about the goosebumps. A lineup change on guitars with Twiggy Hunter now on bass guitar has those bright gleaming distortion guitars really nailing their purpose as every intention feels fulfilled. The interlude tracks too feel a class above previous efforts, Baby Cobra's acoustic guitar and Dream Pop, Ethereal aesthetic being particularly charming and soothing in its dreamy nature.

The band have reinvented their imagination of 90s sounds, particularly Alternative Rock, Metal and Grunge getting a keen nod but once again, this is no nostalgia trip. Fusing modern wall of sound production and lively synths the group pull out a diverse set of songs exploring a range of vibes and temperaments with absolute clarity of vision. Every song on this record is self realized and wonderful. Its drawback may be a couple of less distinct tracks and passable rap verses which get by on spirit more so than the value of lyrics or delivery. Its a weak point that will be easily overlooked.

The best of the record comes through diversity. Experiments with Drum N Bass groves and dirty baseline noise on Guys From The Gord are fiery juxtaposed to its dreamy vocals. Shimmer goes for the uplifting, inspiring sailing into the sun, akin to the likes of Young Guns. Ask For The Anthem takes the biscuit with a fun jiving track full of Funk Metal groove you can't help but move too. Junkie$, the song that caught my ear and introduced me to the band is a true hail to Limp Bizkit with ridiculous raps and those phat and loose bouncy guitar grooves in the Wes Borland spirit.

It should be obvious I am enamored by this record. Rumblings of twenty to thirty year nostalgia cycle commonly observed in many artistic mediums have been brewing with the sounds of my youth and trend would indicate its simply getting better routinely. What will this band do next? Who will they inspire now? Its all to exciting for my musical mind to handle. Another amazing discovery along the journey!

Favorite Tracks: Superstar, Neo, Sunny, Thousand Golden People, Baby Cobra, Ask For The Anthem, Junkie$

Rating: 9/10

Ocean Grove "The Rhapsody Tapes" (2017)

This five piece Australian Alternative Metal outfit known as Ocean Grove have been my absolute binge of late. I discovered them through the Punk Rock MBA's video essay on the revival of Nu Metal. A blessing but also a blur. Letting Youtube play endless songs and discovering them right as a new album drops has made the whole experience overwhelming, now having a plethora of songs I adore to engage with. Narrowing my focus a little, I've been getting my head around this one, their debut full length released seven years on from their inception as a Post-Hardcore band.

The Rhapsody Tapes is stunning, perhaps the reasons a little less obvious as to why in the shadow of whats to come. Youthful, spirited and brimming with emotive energy, somehow they avoid the follies of sounding like a nostalgia trip. The 90s sounds run strong with this band. Nirvana, Oasis and Nu Metal can be heard melding in the melting pot with a vibrancy of modern Metal and ideas brought about in the decades since. Originality isn't in question here, these short and punch Pop Metal songs are so vibrant and well written, they simply work, to be enjoyed without need for reflection.

Without a defined formula nailed down, the twelve songs play with a dynamic range of temperaments exploring groove, emotion and fun within the bright template of crisp distortion guitars resonating massive quantities of energy. A couple of interlude tracks play as expanded elements of style, odd ball collaborations that for the most part work. The occasional inclusion of synth or drum machine adds a little flair. The rest of the music however often has a distinction from the realms of Grunge, Metalcore, Djent, Nu Metal and so on. I could write a list of bands, its as if each song plays tribute to particular artist and genre, sometimes mixing, all of which I happen to be a fan of.

Their singer Luke Holmes may be just getting by on the occasional Rap Metal moments of the record but when letting loose he soars and croons with a stunning sensibility for elevating tone. The duo of Jimmy Hall and Mathew Henley on guitars write sensational vibrant, bouncy riffs brimming with energy. Everything they try is a treat and the chemistry between these three sails the record to a height where I simply can't put it down. Its everything I love, done again and with a renewed youth!

Favorite Tracks: Beers, The Wrong Way, These Boys Light Fires, When You're This High You Can Say What You Like, Stratosphere Love

Rating: 8/10