EFFLORESCE

A genuinely creative and exciting release which may catch the listener with its occasional use of big melodies, but will reward even further with successive listens; there are many layers of sound going on here to discover, and Oceansize slips between genres and styles so effortlessly that it makes discovering them an interesting challenge.

One of the neatest things about this band is their extremes-- from the fat walls of heavy distorted chaos to delicate spacey interludes (which indeed are reminiscent of more well-known post bands) and everything in between. The three guitar players (!) weave some pretty dynamic textures, filling the void left by a keyboard effortlessly. There are few solos to speak of, but lots of layered melodies/countermelodies/effects in their place; solid, and upfront rhythm section round out the mix. Vennart's vocals are emotive if somewhat unremarkable, but lend themselves nicely to the band's sound.

Songwriting is first rate, and the production is nothing short of stellar.

Highly recommended for fans of contemporary progressive rock.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4