CD: 02-60104
RELEASED: 2004
LABEL: Ocean Blue

01. Fast Forward Reverse
02. Pedestrian
03. Golden Gate
04. Ticket To Wyoming
05. Sunshower
06. The Northern Jetstream

The Ocean Blue have ridden the undulating waves of major-label stardom and disappointment since forming in 1988. After six albums and three EPs, they've self-released a six-song disc that retains all of the lush dreaminess that elevated them to the same concert stages as the Psychedelic Furs and Tears for Fears back in the day. The years have not diluted The Ocean Blue's richness. "Pedestrian" is vibrant, atmospheric pop, while the buoyant "Ticket to Wyoming" and "Sunshower" ride along a more jangly road. The gorgeous "Golden Gate" couples soaring backup vocals with a retro '60s pop vibe. The EP is bookended by thoughtful instrumentals -- the opener titled "Fast Forward Reverse" and the closer named "The Northern Jetstream". Both titles are apt; while the opening cut is a brief orchestral mood-setter that propels the listener into the band's modern-day sound, the finale lazily pours out fat bass lines and electronic swirls, layering them across dainty melodies with a kind smattering of "doo-doo-doos" and hand claps. Throughout the years, The Ocean Blue have evolved and performed in spite of the elements, and textured tracks like "Jetstream" show that they're no worse for wear. This is a nice piece of work from a band that has been underrated for a long time.

Influences / Similar Artists:
Echo & The Bunnymen, China Crisis, The Smiths, The Cocteau Twins