Davy Jones’ Locker
Korda, 2023
9/10
A re-release from the Pennsylvania legends The Ocean Blue, this 5th album arrived in 1999, and sure has aged well with its swirling pop melodies and strong attention to detail from David Schelzel (vocals, guitar), Oed Ronne (guitar), Bobby Mittan (bass) and Peter Anderson (drums).
“Ayn” opens the listen with a jangly, acoustic strummer that’s quite cozy in an ‘80s sort of way, and “Garden Song” follows with flowing melodies amid the firm guitars and playful drumming that emits some New Wave tendencies.
Deeper into the listen, the lush “Been Down A Lot Lately” sounds ready for the FM dial between The Sundays and Catherine Wheel, while “Cake” is quite soft and dreamy in away that might remind you of The Smiths.
Approaching the end, the thicker and buzzing “So Many Reasons” is a bit more rugged via the charming college rock climate, and “It Never, Just Might” exits with a hint of psychedelia alongside the syrupy sweet song craft.
A band that actually had a multi-record deal while still in high school, The Ocean Blue made quite a name for themselves in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, and though they abandoned major label life decades ago, they prove they’re still capable of shimmering guitars, dreamy pop nods and subtle post-punk stabs that parallels the greatness of New Order, Beach House or the LAs.
Travels well with: The Pretty Flowers- A Company Sleeve; We Are Scientists- Huffy