Oceansize @King Tuts wah wah hut, Glasgow - July 2005

Tonight saw Sucioperro, Pure Reason Revolution and headliners Oceansize take to the legendary King tuts stage.  As I investiged all the bands my spaces prior to the gig, I found on Oceansize’s, half of the “About me” section was about Sucioperro.  I thought this was extremely commendable and more bands should do it.  When highly respected bands like Oceansize, big up bands like Sucioperro; people are bound to pay attention.

Before the gig there was many a whisper; “have you heard anything by Pure Reason revolution” or “whose that other band playing” and many people were surprised by the order of the support bands.  However as soon as Sucioperro graced the stage, it became clear that they were there to get the crowd going with their ferocious, jagged and guitar driven rock. You could tell the lead singer enjoyed every minute of it with his constant smirking and joking with the crowd, which spread like a disease through the rest of the band by the end of the set.  The drummer of Biffy Clyro was also in attendance being good friends with the “perro”.   The connection between the bands is apparent throughout because of the similar sound.  Overall a good start to the night with quality banter.

The next band on; Pure Reason Revolution were a pleasant surprise.  Starting with a slow keyboards and light guitars giving a real spacey feel which echoed through the rest of their set.  They seem to like their vocal combos, with at least two people singing at virtually all times which created harmonies which really did work because of Chloe’s powerful voice combining with Jon, Jim or Jamies.  But don’t let the word harmony fool you into thinking these guys don’t rock out because they most certainly can.  Although the crowd obviously knew more about Sucioperro at the start of the night, they certainly appreciated Pure Reason Revolution by the end.  The experimental/progressive nature of their sound, which even had violins at a point, set the scene nicely for tonight’s main attraction……..Oceansize.

Oceansize played an hour and half set of pure, magical prog.  Going into the gig I was more familiar with their first album Efflorse which they played the crowd pleasing Catalyst.  As people start requesting for “You wish” keep dreaming while they realise the majority of the set was to focus on their new album Everthing out of position.  This album never really grabbed me, but it really does come to life live.  Oceansize are one of the few bands who can have two albums and are only able to play half from each.  They even commented after one song – “we normally play that one for half an hour, but we don’t have the time”.  The complexity and length of the songs are reproduced live with effortless ease showing a band that has not only paid their dues but have the talent to produce quality music without blinking an eyelid. 

Overall a top night with three superb acts at possibly one of the best venues in the world; could you ask for much more?! J

Oceansize: King Tuts wah wah hut, Glasgow 07/10/07

Having not seen Oceansize since April last year; I was looking forward to this gig immensely. It was the same venue as last time, with 2 different support acts.  Hopes fall were meant to be playing a joint headline show but for some reason couldn’t play.

Twin Atlantic

The first band on were Glasgow based Twin Atlantic.  I have seen these guys once before at the Glasgow Barfly playing with Red Snowman. Think it might have been Succioperro. From what I remember they were a 3 piece.  Now however they are a four piece, with a new guitarist.  They have some good songs which feel Biffy-esque towards their more experimental direction.   I did feel on the whole though, that the different parts to each of the songs felt like they were glued together.  What I mean by this is that they take the good ideas they have, e.g. a guitar part, vocal part or drum part and try to force it in to the song, instead of just letting the song develop, so those bits make sense in the context of the song. In saying that, I do think if I gave them a few more listens, I would get into it more. A heavy start to the night which led nicely to the next band…

Slave to Gravity

I wasn’t even sure of the name of this band when they were on and had to look them up on Oceansize’s ‘my space’ when I got home. When they first came on stage to set up their gear, my brother and I were trying to work out who was in the band and who wasn’t. When they came on, we could not believe it and if I was perfectly honest I thought they were going to be total garbage. 

Picture this if you can.   The lead singer/guitarist is dressed in skin tight red jeans, with a red jacket to match.  He also had straight long hair and a trimmed moustache like someone out of a 70’s rock band.  The lead guitarist was wearing a black suit jacket, dark jeans and had a mop top hair style like someone out of the strokes.  The bassist outfit resembled something a die hard Guns and Roses fan would wear, a t-shirt with tartan trousers. Last but by no means least a drummer who had a skin head and was wearing a plain black t-shirt and black jeans.   

So now we knew who was actually in the band, I was racking my brain trying to conjure up what they are actually going to sound like.  As you can imagine, my brain went into overload! Then I realised its probably better to just wait and see!

What I got was pure rock and roll with Chris Cornell style vocals but with lots more whaling. Overall a very enjoyable and energetic set.  So the lesson learned: Don’t judge a band before they’ve played a note. Usually I don’t do this, but there was just such a contrast in the styles of clothing, it was hard not too!

Oceansize

Tonight saw Oceansize on the stage for a memorable hour and forty minute set.  Most of the set was geared towards their new album ‘Frames’.  The album had only been out a week before the gig and due to postal strikes I still hadn’t received it by the time the gig came around.  So I was interested in how it sounded compared to its predecessors; Effloresce and Everything into Position.  One notable difference is that there is a lot more keyboard usage.  But bearing in mind one the guitarists does the keyboard, it still leaves the 2 other guitarists to ensure the wonderful wall of sound Oceansize create is not lost and is instead enhanced.  On first impressions it sounds very promising, a little bit heavier than ‘Everything into Position’, and I will definitely be investigating it further over the coming months when I eventually get the CD!

They also fitted in the classics from Effloresce, with ‘Catalyst’, ‘Remember where you are’ and ‘Women who love men who love drugs’.  From ‘Everything into Position’ they played ‘Homage to a shame’ and my personal favourite ‘Music for a nurse’.  If you haven’t heard ‘MFAN’ before I would definitely recommend it! Played live it’s just a mesmerising experience.  Normally I head nod, dance about or sing to songs, but for this one I just stood and took it all in.  It was just so moving and sounds epic live.  Although it is nine minutes long, the way its constructed makes it feel like it’s only about four minutes.  Absolute gold.  The ‘Size finished the night with ‘Ornament/Last Wrongs’ which has to be in contention for best set closer ever.  Again absolute genius.

Once again Oceansize deliver a set straight out the top drawer and with ‘Frames’ it certainly looks like there onto yet another winner.

Set List:

Commemorative 9/11 T-Shirt
Unfamiliar
Remember Where You Are
Trail of Fire
Savant
Catalyst
Sleeping Dogs and Dead Lions
Women Who Love Men Who Love Drugs
Homage to a Shame
Music for a Nurse

-----------------------

Paper Champion
Ornament/Last Wrongs

Oceansize - Everyone Into Position

Oceansize's second album `Everything into Position' did more than just reassure their fans that they didn't want to rely on the success of first album `Effloresce'. The Manchester quintet have grown and matured as a band, creating an album which has expanded their musical horizons as well as creating an unsuspecting fan base along the way. As 4th track `Meredith' appeared in the US TV show `The OC'.

The strength and depth of this album is a clear step up from their debut. The band appears tighter and the songs feel more structured and better developed. The album can be split into two halves with a soft side and a heavy side. The soft side will take you to relaxing and peaceful place, like a January detox. The heavy side on the other hand will make you want to pick up an air guitar and thrash it until your arms are so sore you can't play another note. One thing that is for sure though is that this is great progressive rock music and although they've still got a bit to go before they can reach the accolades of current progressive rock heavyweights Porcupine Tree and The Mars Volta; if they keep up this kind of standard, it won't be long till they are joining them.

The soft side of the album, in my opinion displays their best work to date with the 2 stand out tracks of the album; `Music for a Nurse' and `Ornament/Last Wrongs'. Now you may not realise this but `Music for a Nurse' was used as part of the Orange mobile network provider's advertising campaign on TV. Although it is a good taster of the track, it really does not give this 8 minute plus epic its true glory it so rightfully deserves. There is something about this song. The musical backdrop is one in which many post rock acts would aspire to make. It is the slow pace of the song which creates such a massive and sweeping sound. Add to this Vermont's glorious vocals and it just makes the song complete. `Music for a Nurse' is a fitting title for the track too as it would be the perfect track for a nurse to sit back and unwind too after a stressful or busy day at the hospital as it is very relaxing and easy on the ears. For me, this song makes the album so special. Due to its length it was never going to get the radio airplay it deserved which shows the problem with radio rather than with Oceansize. Hopefully one day this song will be fully appreciated, but in reality that will be the day that people who work in radio realise people want to hear songs more than 4 minutes long.

The other epic track on the soft side of `Everyone into Position' is album closer `Ornament/Last Wrongs'. The dual track is a magical way to finish an album. The track opens with a gentle slow moving riff where silence is used after each movement. The song slowly builds up until Vermont and the other band members do the `ah ah ah' bit followed by a much heavier riff. Probably not the best description of it, but once you hear it will make sense. The track then has a great crossover link as the song turns into `The Last Wrongs' as other band members join Vermont on vocal duty in a choir type effect setting off with `Signs the Signs invisible'. Once again the track starts off slowly then builds up to a crashing climax as Vermont cranks up the vocals with `And yours is to just sustain'. This is one of the best endings to an album I have heard to an album in a long time. From album opener `Charm Offensive' right through to this song and `I am the Morning' and `Long Forgotten' from `Effloresce'; it is clear that Oceansize pay particular attention to the beginning and endings of an album as if the tracks are made with the positioning in mind. While many bands will argue over track order it as if Oceansize's pre-planning make this task the easiest of them all.

As you can see from `Music for a Nurse', it is not just the beginning and ending of this album that makes it great but they also have great variety in between. The highlights of the heavier side of the album are `Heaven Alive' and `Homage to a Shame'. What I love the most about Oceansize's rockier songs is that not only do they try not to cram them down to three minutes and let the song expand naturally but Vermont's vocals are upped a notch while still being in his range where as other singers would lose control over some of the notes. Vermont is clearly in control as he blasts out `This release inside of me, Is like my heaven calling' on `Heaven Alive'. On `Homage to a Shame' it is the great guitar work which takes centre stage as the quiet loud technique is used to great effect and the loud bits make it easily the heaviest track on the album. For me the technique makes the impact on the listener even greater. If you listen carefully through earphones you can also hear whispering on certain parts of the track which adds a nice touch as well as depth to the track along with the screaming towards the end of the track which acts as a great climax.

Overall this is a fantastic follow up album. They have a bit of a way to go before cementing their place amongst the great prog bands but if they continue to make albums like this surely it won't be long. From a selfish point of view though I just want this band to stay small as seeing them in smaller venues is a mesmerising experience. But wherever you go to see them you can be safe in the knowledge that the person standing next to you has a great taste in music.

Oceansize - Frames

Many say an artist's third album will either make or break them and basically decide their longevity. Well step up to the plate......Oceansize with their 3rd album `Frames'. With a line up change due to personal circumstances which saw Steven Hodson coming in as the new bassist; I expected `Frames' to unlock a new door in terms of the direction of their sound and it certainly did. 

My first impression of Frames was that it was heavier than its predecessors. However after further inspection it became apparent that it is both their heaviest and their mellowest. They have basically taken their sound spectrum and stretched both extremes even further. This is no more apparent than in the track entitled, "Sleeping Dogs and Dead Lions", which is probably one of the heaviest tracks they have ever done and certainly heading into metal in places, the intro in particular reminds me of The Deftones. Then right next door to this track you have album closer `The Frame' which is your slow moving epic in the same vein as "Ornament/Last Wrongs" from `Everything into Position'. They are completely different songs but both achieve the same thing which is a great and fitting climax to their respective albums. The beauty of `The Frame' lies in the simple build up; starting off with a slow a gentle guitar riff and gradually all the other instruments come in one by one. Then Mike Vennart's voice enters with "I can hold you all together". It's such a relaxing while epic song, never in a rush, letting their sound expand till eventually it bursts with a crashing climax. 

The best song on the album for me is `Unfamiliar'. It took me a while to realise that `Unfamiliar' was a song in its own right because of the seamless link from the first track `Commemorative 9/11 T-Shirt', I thought it was part of that song until I looked down at my MP3 player when it clicked. Its starts off easy, then it's as if the song swaggers into bar, knowing every other song is looking at it, thinking I wish I was that good. My favourite bit in particular is the very last quiet/loud part where Mike Vennart sings "And all who sail in her" then really explodes into "Saw the seashore, unfamiliar". A great song and one I would definitely recommend if you want to get pumped up for the day. 

On the other hand, the worst song on the album is "bonus" track `Voorhees'. I put the inverted commas round "bonus", because I feel this song ruins the album. The main thing I have got against this song is that it feels so disjointed, as if it is two different songs glued together. It is not a bad song apart from that, but at the same time compared to the rest of the songs on the album I feel it is somewhat sub standard in comparison. Not only this but "The Frame" is for me is the natural album closer and that is how it should finish! A twenty second gap does not make me think "ahhhh that's the end of the album.........oh wait there's a bonus track". Instead, it makes me think that after `The Frame" has finished, "that's it, what a finish to an album.....then there's more". It's like when your up for a promotion you deserve to get and you've done everything right then all of a sudden just when the finishing line is in sight you somehow manage to talk yourself out of it. This is exactly what effect `Voorhees' has on the album. 

One of the reasons I feel the bonus track may have been included is to give the fan `Value for money' by filling the CD which comes in at staggering 77 minutes and 41 seconds. The irony of it is if this was indeed the approach is that if the bonus track was taken out, the CD would still have been 67 minutes long which is still twice as long as your average album. Anyway, on a more positive note, the lengths of the songs are one thing I love about Oceansize, while many bands have songs 3 minutes long. In your average Oceansize song, the song is probably still not reached the chorus in that time. There is never a rush, as the let their ideas flourish and expand naturally as opposed to forced and condensed into 3 minutes. Nothing shows this more than the fact the shortest song on the album `Unfamiliar' is 6 minutes and 29 seconds. To make this into a single they had to edit over 2 minutes out of the song! 

Overall listening to `Frames' feels like within each song you're going on a journey through different countries and cultures; all within the world of Oceansize. From post rock to epic rock ballads, from metal to Indie rock, it's like a genre hopping extravaganza mastering each impeccably. What excites me about this band even more is a feel there are vast territories with in the world of Oceansize which are still lay undiscovered, even to the band themselves. This is not one of those albums that you will listen to for a month move on to the next band. This album is a slow burner and one which will be on my CD player for many months probably years to come.