Review Summary: A new band that, while not breaking any huge new ground, does everything right, providing one of the best EPs I have heard in a long time.
Ocean is Theory is the perfect definition as a hidden gem in the music industry. This band, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is made up of some very young guns that know their stuff. Now, I am talking nineteen, fresh out of high school, young. They have talent and it definitely shows. This is their second EP release, and what a fine release it is.
Their first release, Into the Mouths of Lions, was a fantastic EP for a bands first effort. That album had hints of Brand New and As Cities Burn, and this release doesn’t change much from that. The first song, ‘Where We Left Off’, pretty much shows what one can expect from these guys. Strong drums, good melodic guitars, solid bass lines, and Beautiful Choruses fill the song. The second track, ‘Twenty Nine Eleven’, has much more of a groove to it, being almost dance friendly. Heavy base guitar and a simple drum beat lead to this. The Chorus in this song is not as in your face as the song prior, but the end of the song leads to a spectacular finale. ‘Miles Away’, the third track, is another example of this bands ability to write goose-bump-inducing choruses and great melodic songs. One can really hear the As Cities Burn influence on this track. ‘The Motion, The Feeling’, follows the same structure but shines with great guitars and drumming, not to mention another grand finale.
One thing that really stands out for these guys is singer Josh Williams. His voice is truly beautiful. He has the ability to hit really high notes and simple notes, all with what sounds like an extreme amount of emotion. The lyrics are also not too shabby. Most deal with emotions and feelings but deal with subjects such as letting go and realizing we don’t have complete control of our lives. On paper they read kind of corny but they come off mature and strong when preformed.
There are a few minor complaints though. The album is only four songs, which is such a small amount it seems almost pointless to release an album. Another is the quality of the production shows at times. Some of the guitars are overpowering at points and it just starts to sound like noise. I cannot complain too much though due to the fact they don’t really have big studio money.
The fact these guys are unsigned is amazing to me and I am waiting for them to get with a good producer and see what they can really do when pushed. They are a Christian band though, Which most likely means they will end up on Tooth and Nail if and when they do get signed, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as Tooth and Nail does not try to form them into another As Cities Burn and lets them do their own thing. Anyhow a fantastic album and an artist that needs to be on everyone’s radar in 2010.
