EVERYONE INTO POSITION

I was first attracted attracted to Oceansize by their name (taken from a Jane's Addiction song), but found them to be something far, far more than JA tribute. Don't be fooled by the space-rock categorization - this album is as diverse as they come. It's got a very strong prog-metal influence, as well as alt-rock, post-rock, and much more. Each song sounds completely different, has its own personality, presence, and purpose on this album. Each one of these 10 songs shines magnificently, from the pounding 11/8 of the opener to the tremendously uplifting vocal of the closer. All together, the form an album so good that it has convinced me to place Oceansize atop the pantheon of supreme contemporary progressive artists. Despite their relative obscurity, they reign supreme above bands like Tool, Porcupine Tree, and Radiohead.

Because each song here has a soul of its own that cannot fully be expressed by words, I will detail the strengths of "Everyone into Position" and those of the band.

-Three guitars. Though Gambler does sometimes take over a keyboard role, the triple interwoven guitar parts this band writes are memorizing. Like the Sonic Youth of prog-rock, they use their surplus of axe-men to build and elaborate on an idea and craft epically beautiful build-ups. The best example of this is the sultry "Music for a Nurse."

-Drums. Mark Heron may very well be the next Gavin Harrison or Mike Portnoy. His skill on this album is formidable, and will only improve. He carries the band flawlessly through complex songs which shift time signature erratically and drive very unusual patterns. In fact, the whole band is extremely rhythmically competent as you can detect on tracks like "The Charm Offensive" and "A Homage to a Shame."

-Lyrics. Though sometimes made unintelligible by a thick accent and occasional screaming, a good read over these lyrics will show that these guys are damn clever with their words. Poetic and beautiful where they should be ("Music for a Nurse") and in other places gritty and offensive ("You Can't Keep a Bad Man Down.") The words sung on "the Last Wrongs" are simply marvelous.

-Diversity and Originality. Though there are eclectic enough songs on this album to be placed in half the categories this site supports, there are no knock-offs. "Everyone Into Position" exhibits influences as diverse as Godspeed You! Black Emperor to Meshuggah, and everything in between. This album is constantly shape shifting as songs play into one another and genres blend into something completely unique.

Maturity. There are no cringe worthy lyrics, tasteless keyboard tones, unnecessary risks, or pompous compositions. Every sign here points to Oceansize being a fully developed band who knows exactly what they want and how to get it. Here is some top-notch progressive rock that you could actually play for your girlfriend (that is if she is not turned off some heavier guitar work.)

The Closer. "the Last Wrongs" is a wonderful song that instantly proves Oceansize is among the most creative bands in modern music. Something about it has always reminded me of a Christmas carol, perhaps the ultimate joyous feeling it inspires. A amazing end to an amazing album.

For anyone who suspects that modern music has none left to offer, this album is a must have. This band, who only surfaced eight years ago, is making music the same quality of legends like Yes, Genesis, and ELP. In fact, this album is HIGHLY recommended for everyone, fans of progressive music and otherwise, because "Everyone Into Position" is a perfect blend of masterful composition and accessibility. A true masterpiece.

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