Restless
Spunk
The Ocean Party are one of the country’s most prolific bands. Not only do all six members write songs, but they all churn them out at a rate of knots. Restless is their sixth album and continues their yearly cycle of delivering a full length.
After last years big studio effort, The Ocean Party are back in their home studio (as they have been for four of their previous albums) and don’t sacrifice any of their sonic crispness in the process. The Ocean Party’s six members have a democratic approach to their contributions, with all members voices being heard. They manage to turn this into cohesive slices of pop without ever being over-cluttered.
The title track has a melancholic edge as the band ponder causality. It is a stellar start that uses all the pop smarts of The Go-Betweens, whilst also having a hint of Art Of Fighting in its tone. The Ocean Party have a knack for melody without becoming complacent whether it be the upbeat shimmer of Back Bar or the steady build of Reach.
The Ocean Party are a band that become for impressive with each release and Restless is the sound of DIY done to perfection. There are few local guitar pop bands that cobble together a chorus or ten like The Ocean Party.
4 STARS
CHRIS HAVERCROFT
