Stuff Scene Kids Like

Oceana – Clean Head EP

Reviewed by: @mattganzak

I had never heard Oceana before so when I was asked to review their new EP, Clean Head, I jumped on it. This EP is a short 4-track rock album, so I loaded it into my iTunes and away we go. I enjoy listening to music with new ears and I am into experimental music so this seemed right.

The first cut on the Clean Head EP is called “Blue” The track begins with a guitar and drum jam. At first impression, I didn’t like this track. I couldn’t get a good handle of the vocal or instrumental harmonies. The experimental timing made the song difficult to jam out to. Personally, I prefer when a band puts their most appealing song as the first track cause if I wasn’t pushed to review this album, I wouldn’t have listened to the second track.

 

The second track is named, “Barracuda Capital of the World” and the tempo is instantly slowed and I am digging this sound. Airy piano and guitar riffs push through the intro into a more straightforward rocking jam. The melodies and riffs definitely got me rocking to this track. I would have made this the first cut of the album. This track made me jump over to their myspace to check to see when they are coming to NYC so I can check them out. The song is awesome and is now added to my iPhone. 

 

Just after finding out they are not coming to NYC, the third track comes on, “Wool God” This track is a bit more upbeat than the previous and continues me rocking to them. I am noticing their arrangements are rather experimental, unexpected and intelligent. This track was solid, but not as memorable as the previous.

 

The final track “Joy” sounded a bit more drone to me. The melodies were fairly flat and didn’t grab me quite like the energy from the previous tracks. Then the breakdown into the outro began, and I was back into it. I promise this is not my ADD kicking in, or maybe it is. Overall, the 4-track EP is a must buy! This will stay on my iPhone for a while so I can listen and space out while riding on the train. And if you don’t ride a train, you will probably find this EP to be a great addition to short road trips. Pick it up today and enjoy.

 

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