EFFLORESCE

Oceansize is an excellent band using elements of post-rock, heavy prog and just a touch of space rock, though the latter is used sparingly. Think of them as a very original sound, sort of what Tool would sound like if they used post-rock type sound similar to Godspeed You! Black Emperor but with vocals. They have a heavy use of dynamics which are very important in their music, even at times more extensively than Tool does and more freely then GY!BE. This combination of sound creates music that is unique to Oceansize.

This album was their debut full-album, and it surpasses any expectations. The music goes from soft and flowing vocals and instrumentals to harsh and loud sounds approaching heavy metal at times, even more extensively than later Porcupine Tree does. On this album, the variation in dynamics is most apparent on the epic longer songs. For example, "Massive Bereavement' is a masterpiece of a song that uses dynamics throughout it's 9+ minutes run time to create something that is spectacular and original. This particular song, one of the big standouts on the album, features a collaboration with another famous prog band "Can". I'm surprised that hasn't been mentioned, especially with all the praise given to this song in the Archives. Don't worry, though, this is not the only masterpiece of prog on this album. "Saturday Morning Breakfast Show" is another example of perfect dynamic use with some soft sounds interrupted suddenly by heart-pounding riffs and hooks. "Long Forgotten" is a long and beautiful ballad, but not a ballad in any traditional sense.

This is prog at it's best and it puzzles me as to why this band isn't receiving the popularity in prog circles the way it should be. Lovers of Tool who are looking for more music of the same caliber, yet is not a copy, should listen to this music. It took me long enough to discover them even after being a fan of the song "Music for a Nurse" and a few other tracks that I had heard, knowing that I needed to pick up music from them. I wish I hadn't waited so long. Now I will be recommending Oceansize to all lovers of the harder side of progressive music.

Inventive, dynamic, stellar musicianship, great vocals with a lot of emotion especially at the louder sections, this album and band has it all. Even for a debut album, this music shines and rivals the best progressive bands in existence. Even the shorter tracks are inventive and more than just filler. Great music. I can't praise this music enough. This should be considered a masterpiece. 5 stars.

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