I hear an awful lot of music in my line of work, so when something different hits my inbox my ears prick up. That’s why I’m really responding to Ocean Alley and their sophomore EP In Purple.
They first caught my attention with the recent single “Muddy Water,” the final track of the EP. This strong track makes the ideal closer to this six-track collection, but there’s plenty to delight before it hits.
“Muddy Water” had a surf rock sound which only hinted at reggae and psychedelic sounds. They’re much more prominent on the other tracks, and I don’t just mean because one’s called “Space Goat” (despite seemingly having little to do with livestock). The songs are full of sexy grooves and infectious hooks. I appreciate party songs like “Twisted” and “Those Daze” most, but couldn’t help appreciating the daring of the epic “Sleepwalking.”
In Purple is a little rough around the edges, but I think its rawness is endearing. It adds a sense of authenticity that’s missing in many more polished recordings. Ocean Alley are currently touring the EP around the country. You can catch them at the following venues.
17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney