The Ocean Sleeps Alone Tonight
Apollon, 2024
10/10
Listen to The Ocean Sleeps Alone Tonight
The final album from the inestimable Frank Hammersland, who passed away in 2023, the 10 songs here welcome his backing band, the Love Connection, for a diverse and memorable swan song.
The smooth and elegant “Wheels Inside The Wheel” begins with warm guitar and Hammersland’s unique voice guiding the coziness, and “Must Have Been Yesterday” follows with thumping drums and meticulous guitar playing populating the pop and rock gestures.
In the middle is where “Steam Train” and “On Your Side” reside. The former welcomes banjo to the breezy mood, while the latter carries a soulful spirit of beauty and rich songwriting.
Nearing the end, “The Drive To Paris” offers a punchy and melodic moment of timeless and immediately infectious dynamics, and “Silver Submarine” exits with Marthe Wulff’s pretty voice complementing the harmonic finish.
Hammersland spent time in the revered bands Popo Pops and Popium and will always be remembered as one of Norway’s greatest songwriters. This last album is exceptional, much like everything he was involved in, and serves as further evidence of a life well lived and appreciated.
Travels well with: Laughing Stock- Shelter; Sunface- Cloud Castles