Since cutting their teeth on first album ‘Cutting Our Teeth’, Essex post-hardcore quintet We Are The Ocean have wasted little time in making their big return for second outing ‘Go Now And Live’. A mere one year on from their debut and the band are back with album number two. A quick follow-up maybe, but certainly no less satisfying.
From the outset, on anthemic opener ‘Trouble is Temporary, Time is Tonic’, it soon becomes clear that We Are The Ocean have chosen to move ever so slightly away from the post-hardcore/post-grunge sound of ‘Cutting Our Teeth’ to create an altogether more straightforward rock album for ‘Go Now And Live’. The melodic guitar style, which makes frequent appearances throughout the album, is still very much reminiscent of the band’s debut. However, the more noticeable difference is the distinct lack of the screaming that can be heard all over their previous effort.
 Don’t worry, post-hardcore fans – We Are The Ocean haven’t lost any of their former ferocity. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that the band have actually improved their dual vocal-style of playing by managing to keep a finer balance between the two voices. This progression can be heard most clearly on standout track and recent single ‘What It Feels Like’ – an incredibly infectious pop-rock song that is likely to become a live favourite when the band head out for the forthcoming festival season.
Although ‘Go Now And Live’ could arguably be described as a pop-punk album above all, it still maintains its impressively harder moments. Notable examples include ‘Overtime is a Crime’, with its nasty guitar intro and killer drum work, and ‘Godspeed’ – an equally heavy melodic punk song, complete with harmonic vocals and irresistible bassline.
With the sound of We Are The Ocean’s debut album still ringing in our ears, the band have unleashed their laudable second effort with what appears like a certain degree of ease. They certainly can’t be accused of keep their fans waiting or indeed of much else. A surprisingly impressive album from a still relatively new band, ‘Go Now And Live’ sits comfortably alongside most other significant pop-punk releases from recent years. It’s clear to see why We Are The Ocean were so eager not to keep it under wraps for long.
Stereoboard Rating: 7/10
‘Go Now And Live’ is due for release on 25th April.
We Are The Ocean are on tour in April and May. Click Here to Compare & Buy We Are The Ocean Tickets
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