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Lost Ocean - Lost Ocean

Rating

RIYL

Coldplay
Copeland
Mae
Emery

Tracklist

1. Believe
2. Still Life
3. Just Glide
4. You Are
5. Mute
6. Dreams
7. Everything Is
8. Trust
9. Lights
10. Vast

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A label is only as strong as its weakest artist. In an industry that thrives on repetition and unoriginality it seems as if there would be no need to create something fresh in a scene stale with the music of yesterday – besides, the standard formula has already been laid out detailing what works in modern independent music. Where then, does a band such as Lost Ocean fit into the boiling pot of light, melodic rock music?

In a genre that spans from the heights of the Soundscan charts all the way through the smallest, and perhaps some of the most poignant independent releases, with the light rock sound of bands such as Coldplay and Copeland have been tested and proven through a growing fan base, where can another band fit in? Clearly, the formula for a resonant light rock powerhouse is no secret and can be detailed by even the most primitive of music connoisseurs. The basic piano ballad form with semi-soaring guitar work and a vocalist with comparable ability are all key components to success in the genre.

Lost Ocean have grasped this concept exceptionally well on their self-titled album. The piano driven balladry followed by a combination of thick and light rhythm guitar parts help to create a tone that isn’t all that original, but enjoyable nonetheless. It seems as if this group of musicians have drawn on the most admirable aspects of similar bands in order to craft their sound on this album. This is predominantly a combination of stadium style guitar work that one might find during a Coldplay set, mixed with vocals similar to Copeland’s Aaron Marsh, with the piano stylings being relevant to both.

Despite starting off with one of the album's least appealing tracks, it picks up at a fairly quick pace. It becomes clear by "Just Glide" – the album's third track – that this group is capable of crafting catchy, melodic rock songs that mirror some of the heaviest contenders in the genre. The rolling piano and chorus on "Mute" aren’t unique to soft rock stylings, but they help to create a calm energy that is felt throughout most of the other songs on Lost Ocean. If nothing else this album should be given attention because of the interaction between piano, guitar, and vocal ranges. The three are melted together without flaw and make for a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Take into account that this genre isn’t the most innovative of forms when listening to Lost Ocean. While the sound is similar to their peers in this sense, it doesn’t dwell on their success and struggles to find its own place within the genre. A label is only as strong as its weakest artist may seem like a daunting statement considering Credential Recordings lineup. It has its low points – see Future of Forestry’s latest release Twilight - but it also has a band that deserves an educated and objective viewing, and this is where you’ll find Lost Ocean.

--Chad Quenneville