We Are The Ocean – Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow
Review by Jen Boylen
In early June we learned of the departure of front man Dan Brown from We Are The Ocean due to what I understood as ‘creative differences’. Who knew what toll this line up change would have on their upcoming record Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow. It may seem that without the intense, raspy sound of Dan Brown’s voice, We Are The Ocean would never be the same, but after listening to this album, it’s obvious this change has only made them a bigger force to be reckoned with. Maybe Today Maybe Tomorrow is all that I could’ve hoped for with this record and then some.
Opening track, “Stanford Rivers” may be short (1:13 to be exact) but man does it pack a punch. This song captures in one minutes everything I love in a song, plus I’m always a sucker for piano. While listening it’s as if singer, Liam Cromby walked right through my headphones, into my brain and just grabbed a hold of the section of my brain labeled ‘emotions’. When you hear it you’ll understand-flawless.
“Bleed” is an obvious choice for a single. From start to finish it encompasses all that is We Are The Ocean, in a very polished and confident sort of way. Fairly fast paced with lots of heavy instrumentals, we hear the new and improved line-up and Liam definitely proves he can hold his own as a front man.
So, as I’m listening I am beginning to fall madly in love with this record, until I hit track five-then I have to take a step back. I can only pay attention to one thing: the drums. Now, well impressive they just feel messy and end up crowding the beginning of the song. I still gave “Machine” a chance and by the end I didn’t mind it, I actually really enjoyed it. We Are The Ocean had definitely redeemed themselves by slowing down the drums a bit and adding lots of layers to the vocals. As “Machine” comes to end I can’t help but smile, the powerful anthem feel to the end is fantastic.
Track seven is one of my favorites on the whole record. “Golden Gate” was released two weeks ago, and it definitely deserved it. It may be a tad slower paced than what we’re used to, but with such a killer bass line who can complain?
Title track time! Who’s excited? I know I am. The title track always tells so much about a record as well as the mindset of the band as they were creating their current work of art. By the time the first few lines of “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow” have been said, I’m sold. We Are The Ocean is definitely completely capable of and successful at being a four piece. This track has empowering lyrics, diverse drumming styles, and clapping?! Perfection.
“Chin Up, Son” is the closing track on Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow and We Are The Ocean break out the big guns: an acoustic guitar. It has a live room/ demo feel to it and Liam’s vocals are top notch. It wasn’t what I expected from the ‘finale’ of this album, but I’m totally content with it. We Are The Ocean acoustics are some of my favorites anyway.
We Are The Ocean feels like they have found their niche with Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow. If this is what we can expect from them from now on-count me in.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Tracks: Stanford Rivers, Golden Gate
Website Facebook Twitter
