Review Summary: Worth a visit.
Oui is a stress relieving experience, and an immersive massage. This oasis is crafted with simple acoustics, a quiet drum set, synth pads, subtle horns, and a deep bass line. Whispery, breathy vocals meet in between refusing to give a punch, they blend in like the breeze. The album regards floaty, flowing melodies above all. It is a gentle motif to assist the listener in becoming deeply comfortable, and it results in measurable success. All vessels receive the same ocean spray treatment. Music for a sunny day, but a good time for any other.
A balance is achieved with indie pop and soft jazz that digs into the skin. The drummer is pure jazz, and technical skills are readily apparent. No technical skills are downplayed though are used with a blushing, ginger spirit. Consequently, the album edges its way to becoming catchier with more time listening to it. The drummer’s constant rim hits are quite a show, and the bassist lays down subtly groovy patterns. The Sea and Cake’s technical achievements are so natural as to be automatic, and this superpower is used for the furthering of a relaxation setting.
There is no particular track more special than others. The beauty of Oui is getting lost in the waves. A chill pace and pastel palette is consistent throughout the run time, never surprising, yet always welcome like a meeting with a close friend. The tone is quite likeable, including the singer’s entrancing voice; his voice is hypnotic in the realest sense; it wouldn’t be too surprising if he hosted meditations.
If one were to critique Oui, repetition should be firstly addressed. The album isn’t exceedingly memorable due to The Sea and Cake’s desire to stay within their realm of comfort food music. As such, it never escalates past relaxing background music. It’s there, and sounds great, but evolution is on a stand-still. However, there is a use for this type of calming music. It’s music that makes you feel good and really, isn’t that what we all desire? Oui will take you to a better time and place, and is practically a personal vacation. Perhaps not, though it is difficult to find albums this balmy. It’s a solid package overall, and well worth putting on a list of albums with cool vibes.
