Artist: Ocean is Theory
Album: "In My Blood Again" (EP)
Release: Sept. 25, 2009
Label: None
I have a love/hate relationships with EPs. Most of them do one of two things, they either leave you wanting more or make you glad you didn’t pay full price for an entire album. I’ve experienced both.
Most of them do one of two things, they either leave you wanting more or make you glad you didn’t pay full price for an entire album. There is no happy medium when it comes to EPs. They remind me of the food samples at Sam’s: They make you run to the aisle to buy the delicious food in bulk or run to the nearest trash can and deposit it by spiting, or at worst, in a more powerful, projectile type spew.
In the case of Atlanta indie rockers Ocean Is Theory, both scenarios were achieved in a relatively short period of time. The bands 2008 EP, Into the Mouths of Lions, proved to be a solid release for the band and lead to a brief stint on this year’s Warped Tour. But the more I listened to it, the more bored I became and soon nothing of the band remained on my iPod except for their singles “More Than Conquerors” and “O’ Broken Son.” I found the band’s sound mirroring other indie/alternative bands with their driving guitar riffs and choruses attempting to fly, but falling well short of the atmosphere they were shooting for. My initial reaction of intrigue quickly faded and the EP was left on the heap along with others that lost their relevance due to lack of staying power.
The eventual blandness of the EP became an even bigger enigma when I saw the band live. The energy they brought on stage didn’t necessarily translate well to the recording process. The transition the songs made from stage to studio left a lot to be desired when the music was blaring through ear buds.
When the band announced the release of their second EP, In My Blood Again, I decided to pick it up only if I had some extra cash to burn. My thinking process was very simple: no hype, no disappointment. Low risk for high reward.
Maybe I should use this template for all my music.
“Twenty Nine-Eleven,” the first single released on the band’s Myspace, again is guided by great bass (Kevin Cerbone) and drum beats (Clay Carter) with a melodic guitar providing a canvas for the bass and drums to paint on. The lyrics continue to shine as Williams sings of the powerful timing that God has on our lives and the will he has for us to experience in due time. Williams sings one of the most powerful, truthful lyrics on the album when he sings, “The day you stand in front of the ocean and feel proud not small/ We’re all in trouble/ It's gonna take you under.” A compelling lyric reminding all saints that we are blessed to serve a wonderful God and to do so we have to put our pride aside.
“Miles Away” is spiritual deep with William’s emotionally charged vocals and lyrics. The song touches on the never-ending cycle of trying to go our own way and coming back to God for forgiveness and correction. There are moments in the song that reminds me of Thrice, especially during the bridge leading into the last chorus as a dirty guitar riff rings throughout.
The final (and possibly the best) song on the album, “The Motion, The Feeling,” is more rock focused, but at its core is a sincere call to God to for salvation and forgiveness. Williams sings of the “let go,” or the times in our lives when we wander from God.
In My Blood Again is on par with The Wedding’s “The Sound. The Steel” and Emery’s “While Broken Hearts Prevail” as a superb EP and one that leaves me wanting an economy sized follow-up.
Final Verdict: 5/5
Go Download: The whole thing. It’s only $3.96 on both iTunes and Amazon. Or do yourself a favor and catch them live if you can and pick it up there. Get a t-shirt while your at it.
