The Ocean Blue
See The Ocean Blue
»
The Ocean Blue
See The Ocean Blue
Polygram, 1996
RiYL: The Grays, Simon and Garfunkel, Antenna, The Shins |
With a new lineup, a new label and a matured sound, the Ocean Blue is a different animal. They're not a much better band than before, but they seem to be enjoying the process of making music. That rejuvenation definitely comes through in the sound of See The Ocean Blue.
After the modest commercial success of previous album Beneath The Rhythm And Sound (nearly 100,000 copies sold), keyboard player Steve Lau, one of the group's original members, left the band. This was such a blow that the remaining members, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter David Schelzel, bassist Bobby Mittan and drummer Rob Minning actually announced the band was breaking up.
But the break-up was very short-lived, as the three acquired guitarist/keyboardist Oed Ronne, who had toured with the band in the past, before retiring to Oxford, Mississippi with producer Dennis Herring (Cracker, Innocence Mission). The addition of a second guitarist has filled out the band's sound and given their songs a less polished, more straightforward feel. Ronne also contributes to the songwriting process, a task that before had belonged solely to Schelzel.
The ensuing variety of song type is evident on the album. "Slide" is classic Ocean Blue, with lilting melodies over simple acoustic guitar progressions. But first single "Whenever You're Around" is a flurry of guitars and layered sounds that wouldn't have been found on one of the band's first three albums. "Bitter" is an all-out rocker whereas "Past Future Perfect" is almost entirely acoustic and reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel.
All in all, See The Ocean Blue showcases the band's maturity and newfound capability for diversity.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.