Seasons very much govern the nature of our lives. Sheltering from the brisk cold, soaking in the heat or preparing for the death knell of summer as Amber takes precedence. The nature of Progressive music enables bands to retain as much freedom needed. Yet the difference between a balance of differing sounds is everything, without balance material can sound misplaced, not needed and often suffocate its source. Fronted by female singer Camille Gilbert, Oceans of Slumber bring sentiment home.
[tracklist]
- Winter
- Devout
- Nights In White Satin
- Lullaby
- Laid To Rest
- Suffer The Last Bridge
- Good Life
- Sunlight
- Turpentine
- Apologue
- How Tall The Trees
- … This Road
- Grace
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]60:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media Records[/record_label]
[release_date]March 4th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
With the players in the band having been classically trained, it’s no surprise elements of sub genres lurk in the make up of the cavernous Oceans of Slumber. Never centering on an idea each song itself allows for a great depth seamlessly blending verse and chorus to create a fantastically adventurous sonic playground. Often introducing the principle melody, an early cover of “Nights In White Satin” for example first exhibits singer Gilbert’s impeccable pipes which as the song matures changes texture from the slower more brooding beginnings until furious blast beats are introduced revealing a guitar solo.
It’s the subtle nuances of “Lullaby” though where Oceans of Slumber truly pull at the heart strings revealing vulnerability. A simplistic ode to the soul showing that the band can show just as much tenderness as they can aggression. Immediately apparent afterwards with the headstrong “Suffer The Last Bridge” synthesising excellent song writing to create a hook laden and memorable chorus whilst retaining momentum with a powerful driving riff. Yet whilst the band might be confidently navigating the more structured of waters, experimental sides the likes of “Good Life” bring a very much earthbound yet conflictingly spiritual interlude.
Fiercely destructive “Apologue” sees our musical paint brush dipped into the pallet of Death Metal to paint yet another unique sonic experience. It’s precisely this that makes the band a creative tour de force. Arriving at exactly the opportune moment the band strike whilst the iron is hot. The beauty of the band’s unique aspect lies in their seamless ability to coalesce into a truly devastating emotional force. Title track “Winter” creates an early vignette of what to expect making for a brilliant preamble.
The almost blues “Turpentine” sees some exemplary guitar work with a fearsome lead lines perfectly executed. Understanding their relevant position in the bigger picture seems to be one of Oceans of Slumber‘s many attributes neither overshadowing each other or being to far in theforeground. A beautiful epilogue of piano from “Grace” acts as just as much an emotional statement in music just as much as the honest, human delivery from our singer making for a particularly poignant yet sweet epilogue.
The hibernation period has at last come to an end. Mirroring the harsh, unrelenting beauty of our ever changing seasons softly spoken vocals both conjure an ether of triumph heightened its sense of loss. A real explorative example of forward thinking material both in aesthetics and musicality. Drowsy from our hibernation, Just as our Texan sextet awaken from their deep slumber the year shakes off its sleep to to bloom into Spring.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Winter sees a conglomerate of emotion, technicality and true experimentation crystallised. Thawing to reveal a unique, intriguing and completely refreshing take on the Progressive genre.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up Oceans of Slumber’s brand new album here now!
