It is always astonishing what is classified as Post-Hardcore these days. Anything that even remotely resembles heavier guitar, punk or hardcore riffs, and a driving drumbeat is considered Post-Hardcore today. Personally, I am more of an old-school fan, but who knows, maybe the newschool has something genuinely new in store for me that I might actually like.
WE ARE THE OCEAN hail from England and have been active under this name since 2007, releasing one album, nine singles, and two EPs. An impressive output, and of course, the band has also played several concerts during this time.
With "Go now and Live," the five-piece is releasing their second album in the band's history. The title is well chosen. "Go out and live," a counter-concept to the Facebook reality.
Thus, the record earns a sympathy point even before a single note has been heard.
The songs by WE ARE OCEAN are wrapped in catchy melodies that you might enjoy hearing on the radio and that somehow appeal to you. It’s a bit indie, alternative, and sounds like counterculture. The band actually mostly sings and does not scream their existential pain like so many bands that label their style as Post-Hardcore, so one does not have to assume a primal scream therapy set to music here. The arrangements of the songs are thoughtful and clever. The songs have just the right amount of hardness to still be categorized as Post-Hardcore, but they also have enough appealing rock to attract a lot of fans outside the scene. Yes, even fans of refined pop rock might find some enjoyment in this work and choose the song "Runaway" as their favorite track.
It is not surprising that the band has a large fanbase, especially in the UK. Somehow, it all sounds very UK. A bit like Oasis in the underground.
With "Go now and Live," WE ARE THE OCEAN have released a pleasing rock album that also showcases influences from hardcore, punk, rock, and pop, thus offering a pleasant variety that still appeals to the listener even after multiple plays of the CD. However, it is not Post-Hardcore in the true sense, as the album is too beautiful and too soft for that.
