Oceansize – Frames

After finding a new bassist and a new record label, Oceansize returns to release Frameson October 2nd. I’ve had my eye on this band since 2003 after listening to their debut album Effloresce. For me, it was a very good debut album but it was missing that mysterious element that pushes an album over the edge into greatness. It did also showcase the bands amazing potential and aspirations. I remember making the mental note that these guys might just put something amazing together one day. After their second release Everyone into Position in 2006, I felt they had taken a few steps forward in their progress. That album was harder and darker, and attempted to push the band further but again, it lacked the element that demands an intense emotional connection from the listener.

The new album is another example of the lofty goals of Oceansize, with songs coming in anywhere from six and a half minutes to eleven minutes, it’s impossible not to see the hard work and focus the band brings to the table. This album has turned away from the dark, heavier sound of their last release and it helped the band grow in all the right ways. Easily their best work to date and most likely one of the best albums of the year in this genre. Listen to the track “Commemorative T-Shirt” and see for yourself.

These new songs have pushed through that barrier and are even more rhythmic and personal than any of their other work. Frames really brings Oceansize closer to what I have always thought they could be, which is great. Drummer Mark Heron really stands out too, binding the band together like never before. Also listen to “Sleeping Dogs and Dead Lions“, which still marks the album with that heavy darkness seemingly left over from their last record. But it really does show you the diversity of Oceansize too.

When speaking on the title of the new album, frontman Mike Vennart explained “It evokes strength and structure, and kind of a sense of time as well – every second is like a frame of your life that’s ticking away and then it’s gone. You can try and remember to try and look at it. But you’ll probably only remember it as a snapshot, you won’t remember the whole movement of the thing.”

With this new album Oceansize has developed a snapshot of themselves reaching the next level in my book. I still think they have a distance left to run, but I also still believe that they can run it. It may take Mike Vennart spilling his guts all over the next record, exposing himself more emotionally than he ever has before, but I am still a believer.

~ by mughead on October 2, 2007.