Lonely Diamond
UNIFIED, 2020
8/10
The Australian rockers Ocean Alley are back with a 3rd album, and much like their earlier work it’s an accomplished affair where the 6 members interact dynamically and with nods to legends like Fleetwood Mac or Pink Floyd.
“Dahlia” gets the album off to a cautious start with plenty of ambience as guitars enter the adventurous instrumental, and “Tombstone” follows with warm psyche-influenced rock as expressive vocals align with plenty of rhythm that tips it hat to funk.
Near the middle, “Up In There” shimmers with a soulful approach to the thoughtful landscape with superb drumming, while “All Worn Out” recruits strings and piano in the sophisticated and introspective climate. The title track and album highlight then offers a richly filled pop-rock meet sci-fi journey where all players provide exceptional contributions.
At the end, “Puesta de Sol” illustrates the true strength of the rhythm section on the country influenced, melodic rocker, and “Luna” exits the listen with a dreamy instrumental that displays angular musicianship and precise manipulation of space and tension.
A truly eclectic listen, Ocean Alley make sounds that run parallel to stadium rock, just they do pen intimate moments that could soundtrack a coffee house show, and this ambitious and flawlessly textured effort that often takes up back to the ‘70s is certainly their best work to date.
Travels well with: Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark; Sea Wolf- Through A Dark Wood