The Only Ocean

We here at SwitchBitch Noise have had the honor to get our ears on a pre-release copy of The Only Ocean’s self-titled debut album which is slated to hit the streets this summer! For a debut album, I must say it is quite packed from beginning to end with 10 very well written indie pop-rock tracks.
In first listen, my ears honed in on the pleasing simplicity of the song structures and catchy melodies. Upon listening further in-depth, it is apparent that very much attention to detail has been put into the subtleties of the record, in terms of the unique blend of intricate performances and production techniques. A very important quality is the fact that The Only Ocean never goes too far where it becomes obnoxious or self masturbatory. The band has a keen sense of their style and direction and although it may not sound like a big deal, it’s rare to come across this day and age.And that they certainly did, particularly with The Only Ocean‘s choice of teaming up with producer, mix/mastering engineer, Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta and Antemasque) to put that signature glue on the record.

The record from start to finish has great dips and archs from the atmospheric introductory track “Don’t Go To Sleep” to the surf indie-pop feel of the upbeat “Winnona” to the instrumental breather of “Pheobes” and closing out with a slower little number “Flying to Nowhere”.
This is one solid record, and I can’t wait to see where it goes upon its release. A record release show will be hosted on July 11th at Certain Sparks with Captions. Details can be found [HERE]. Best of luck to these boys and be sure to keep up with them via socials (below) and show them your support.

Cheers,

Mike Abiuso / SwitchBitch Noise - Mike Abiuso

The Only Ocean is a Rock and Roll band based in Lompoc, California. The band consists of Wesley Hill on Vocals, Guitar; Dustin Whalen on Guitar; Alex Burdess on Bass and Shae Kakos on Drums. The band draws their musical influences from many different styles of Rock And Roll such as Alternative, Shoegaze, Indie Rock and even Psychedelic Rock. With that blend of styles in one sound, the band creates music that moves from one influence to the next. That style of music is present in the band’s newly released track called “Daydreams”. “Daydreams” is a track that definitely has a large amount of Indie Rock influence within the music. The track begins with a with a light, yet very infectious guitar riff before the song launches into a harder and much more rocking feel. That infectious guitar riff returns again and again throughout the track. As the song progresses, the track alternates a between a very rocking Alternative Rock style and the Indie feel that begins the track. The song features guitar work from both Wesley Hill and Dustin Whalen and their interaction within the song creates many different elements within the music. The rhythm section of bassist Alex Burdess and drummer Shae Kakos helps to keep the song together as each of the band members alternates between the two musical feels in the music. The vocals from Wesley Hill contain a gentle quality to them throughout the track. The supporting vocals on the track seem to complement the lead vocals and the use of the harmony within certain parts helps to add a nice texture to the lyrics. The final minute of the track feature the band really rocking out before the song ends in the same manner that it began with the band alternating between the easier and harder styles. With the way the song alternates between the two musical approaches, “Daydreams” from The Only Ocean is entertaining and leaves the listener wanting for more. - Matheson Kamin