Oceansize – Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up
The plentiful, yet unhealthy musical landscape currently inherited can be explained simply by consumer demand. Popular culture resembles a Big Mac – cheap, quick to fill, but also lacking a key component to long-term pleasure – substance. For every well-intentioned, honest standout artist, five individuals with a resemblance to Ke$ha will follow. With that being said, over Oceansize’s ten-plus year career, these five Brits have served as a symbolic 16 oz. steak, packing their obtuse compositions with plenty of substance, leaving many a listener over the years feeling more than satisfied after a spin of a record or two.
When commenting on the album, guitarist Gambler stated, “Most of the songs are shorter, more concise. We didn’t set out to write shorter songs, it just happened; we didn’t feel the need to drag them out and elaborate on them any further than necessary. I think we’ve been tarred with the ‘oh-they-write-long-proggy-songs’ brush so I think a few people will be quite surprised”. By reading between the lines did this mean that Oceansize were destined to sell out and subject their work to mass consumption by purging themselves of substance? Luckily, while utilizing more succinct songwriting, Oceansize’s latest release, Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up, finds the group maintaining their hearty artisanship and at the same time trimming the excess fat, making their fourth full length release arguably their finest record yet.
The quintet begins their latest endeavor with the uncharacteristically abrasive “Part Cardiac.” Opening with ominous feedback, the initially sparse soundscape erupts with chunky guitars and the operatic vocals of front man and guitarist Mike Vennart. The aforementioned commented earlier in the album’s conception that “…there’s one tune that we’re just practicing at the moment that is just the f**ckin’ loudest, most obnoxious, sludgy, horrible, heaviest thing we’ve ever done.” If this reviewer was a betting man, “Part Cardiac” would fit this description wonderfully. In the least, the opener introduces the listener to a sleeker, more muscular version of the band.
Following closely behind “Part Cardiac” is first release, “SuperImposer.” Here, Mark Heron on skins embraces the spotlight as he pulverizes everything within arm’s reach, creating a steady, upbeat backbone on which the four other members stick to. While not nearly as memorable, third track “Build Us a Rocket Then…” maintains Oceansize’s shockingly blistering pace as Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up reaches its middle portion.
Older fans, take a deep breath as the more timid and restrained Oceansize of yesteryear are still very present on their latest full length as the middle portion of the release demonstrates the group downshifting into slower material all the while stirring up a captivating atmosphere. “Oscar Acceptance Speech” is an extended eight-minute daze of a song as Vennart croons over subdued piano and the steady beats of Heron. About halfway through the piece is when the music decrescendos into a minimal, still utterly stunning orchestral movement that will leave one breathless. “A Penny’s Weight” continues the album’s more tranquil mid-section with a composition built on the strength of vocalists and guitarists Vennart and Steve Durose. Both men shine with their voices as the melodies presented create the airy backdrop on which the rest of the song floats. Closing the middle portion is another eight-minute adventure entitled “Silent/Transparent.” Opening quietly, the seventh piece on the album unwinds like a traditional post-rock composition – crawling at first, locating its feet, and finally sprinting to the finish line in grand fashion.
Rounding out the album, “It’s My Tail And I’ll Chase It If I Want To” resurrects the initial energy found on the beginning of the record with bombastic blasts of guitar, inadvertently giving the piece an almost euphoric sensation that rejuvenates the listener. Finally, “Pine” serves as the final highlight to an album chock full of sensational songwriting. Better have those Kleenex ready as “Pine” comes across as the most vulnerable and moving track on the album, featuring a passionate singing performance by Vennart, accompanied by a touching string section bound to make one’s icy heart melt. Without a doubt, “Pine” is one of the most remarkable compositions Oceansize have put to tape.
Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up finds Oceansize scaling back the grandiose in favor of more streamlined, accessible material and the music presented is all the better because of these alterations. While a couple tracks suffer from less memorable songwriting, most notably “Ransoms” and “SuperImposter,” emotions are more exposed, variation is better explored, and the songwriting is increasingly dynamic on the group’s fourth and latest release. With a more digestible product, Oceansize is bound to receive the attention and acclaim they desperately deserve as the material these Brits have prepared is boundless in ambition and timeless in appeal.
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67 Comments
July 28th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I have to admit that I really dislike 'SuperImposter'. I downloaded it a while back and it sounds pretty messy and slightly monotonous to me. I just can't bring myself to get through that track, which is slightly harsh, but that is my personal view.
Then again, it should be interesting to see what this new album is like after reading this (very positive) review. If it's anything like 'Frames' then hopefully I shall love it, but I always worry that they're going to go back to what they were like on 'Everyone Into Position' and that album was definitely not my cup of tea. I mean songs like 'Music for a Nurse' was kind of sweet and I liked 'You Can't Keep A Bad Man Down' but the rest took me effort to listen to…and now I'm babbling about a different album to the one being reviewed so I'm going to stop >.>
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Aanchel replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Oh, and great review btw! I enjoyed reading it
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Aanchel, if you had a hard time getting used to "SuperImposer," I completely understand. I had the same problem. With that being said, I will say that the song plays much better in the grand scheme of the album. Give it some time and I am sure you'll start to dig it a little more.
If you liked Frames you should have no problem liking this album. Frames was my favorite release of theirs until this one. Basically what you have here is Frames with a few faster songs and more condensed songwriting, which helps in the long run by making the songs more memorable.
Songs that remind me of Frames on this album would include "Part Cardiac," "Oscar Acceptance Speech," "A Penny's Weight," "Silent/Transparent," "Pine," and "SuperImposter." So if you are afraid they have completely abandoned that sound or that they are heading back into the commerical sound of Everyone Into Position, you have no reason to be worried.
Thanks for the input! Be sure to pick this one up.
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Aanchel replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
You have certainly made me feel more inclined to buy this album. 'Frames' was always my favourite from this band, so hopefully this new album will meet my expectations (which have now risen due to your comment, haha).
Thank you, and I'll be sure to buy it in September.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Great to read! Glad someone else appreciates Oceansize.
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highfive. replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Typically, music that "takes effort" to listen to will be the most memorable for you, rather than something that is easily digestible and forgettable.
I'd say it's pretty unfair to say you really dislike SuperImposer (the free downloadable song, not to be confused with SuperImposTer) and you haven't listened to it all the way through. Most of Oceansize's catalog takes at least 3-4 listens to even grasp everything going on in each song. When you couple that with incredibly fast, odd time signatures like you have in SuperImposer, it could take you even 10 listens to really "get it."
Give it a few more listens, it's seriously awesome.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
You have hit the nail on the head, highfive. The first sentence is a main theme in my review. And yes, give the material some time to sink in. You'll be thankful in the long run. Keep rocking!
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Aanchel replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@highfive.:
I do agree with you and it is wrong of me to give up on a song that requires too much effort on my part, but I'm afraid that I don't really have the will to want to put in that effort, when I can listen to other music that I know I will probably like. That's such a narrow-minded view of mine and I can clearly see that, so sorry, but it's how I work.
Oh dear, that was a stupid typo from me…
I will try it again at some point (probably when I purchase the album) and maybe my view will be different by then. Both your positive opinion and the view from Josh has convinced me, so I shall give it a shot and try to be more open-minded.
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highfive. replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
If that's how you do it, that's cool. It's hard to convince people to give something a chance when they're not feeling it. But, if you do get the cd you'll probably end up catching on to the "hard to digest" tracks later on and have them become your favorites. I've found that's how it works for me.
When I first heard the track I didn't think it was really on the level of "Oceansize." After about 4 listens I said "ummm… yeah, I get it." Now, I've listened to it probably 50 times. The intertwining vocal melodies are neatly tucked away and seriously need several listens to discover. You have to pry through the blastin Heron drums to even begin to get to the delicate stuff (and there is delicate stuff) in this track.
Now, let's hope they cross the sea for this record.
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July 28th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Josh, this is one of those reviews that I love on this website. I've heard of this band, but have never listened to them before. And, thanks to the review, I went to their myspace page and listened to a bunch of older tracks, and I'm digging it. I love finding new bands to add to my already obese library of music. My bank account shudders when I start finding awesome new bands, hehe. If I were to invade Oceansize's back catalog, what should I start with?
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highfive. replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Start at the beginning with Effloresce. Then just go on up through the discography. It's worth it. And don't listen to the naysayers. Everyone Into Position is fantastic. A bit commercial, but a really fantastic record.
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Nitrohippie replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Thanks, bro
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Kevin replied:
July 28th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Agreed, starting at the beginning is definitely the way to go. Also make sure you don't skip the EP's. The Music for a Nurse EP and the Home & Minor EP are both excellent.
I also don't really understand the hate for Everyone Into Position or the labeling of it as "commercial". It may have a couple of songs that are slightly more accessible then Oceansize is normally known for (I'm looking at you Heaven Alive and New Pin), but I'd hardly call the record as whole "commercial". Ornament/The Last Wrongs, Homage to a Shame, and The Charm Offensive are hardly "commercial". Even the more accessible songs are enjoyable listens as well.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Glad you enjoyed the review, Nitro. Your experience is what it's all about. As for where to start, I agree with what highfive and Kevin have said. Begin from the beginning and work your way up. Now possibly you may want to listen to this album first and then start from the beginning because as said above, this album is much more digestable than their other releases.
Regardless, thanks for your comments all of you, they are much appreciated. Oceansize is a band that deserves to be recognized.
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Nitrohippie replied:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Your welcome
And as for "more digestable", I don't really care about that. If it's good, it's good. Period. Besides, I listen to far less digestable music than this band, hehe.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 31st, 2010 at 4:20 am
Sweet! Well if you listen to more challenging music then you should have no problem adapting to Oceansize's sound. Check it out and good luck! You won't be disappointed.
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July 28th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
are you allowed swears? i blinking love steak
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:06 am
"Blinking" will work just fine in this instance. Love it. If you like steak, try this album out. It's a four-course meal for your heart and mind.
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July 29th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Looking forward to this one.
I also can't understand how anyone can call EiP Commercial, if anything it's taken me the longest to appreciate, and 'size albums are notorious for taking a while to "sink in".
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July 29th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Didnt know they are releasing a new one, cant wait
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Yep! Released Sept. 6 in EU and Sept. 14 in the US. Be on the look out for it, this is a must buy for Oceansize fans and music lovers looking to dive into their discography.
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Jen replied:
July 29th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Mozil, you are so unpredictable. lol
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July 30th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Do you know about the jamoftheweek recordings that they release on the oceansize message boards? If you do, do you know if any of topendclit made it onto the album? I love that jam and I'm really hoping it will be on there! Cheers.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
July 31st, 2010 at 4:19 am
No, I am not familiar with the jamoftheweek recordings, specifically "topendclit." If you provide a link, I would be happy to give it a listen and let you know. Thanks for the comment.
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July 31st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Josh, this sounds killer. Can't wait to check this out. Excellent review.
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Josh replied:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:26 am
Thanks a lot. Hope you enjoy it.
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July 31st, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I loved Frames, Trial of Fire is probabbly one of my favourite songs ever but well I heard SuperImposer and im quite dissapointed, hope the rest of it is better.
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Josh replied:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Have no fear, this album is quite similar to Frames with the only exceptions being shorter song lengths and the songs being a little more spunky in the vein of "Unfamiliar." Regardless, give it a shot and let me know what you think!
Thanks for the comment.
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August 1st, 2010 at 4:03 am
The best part of this review is the fact that Josh tagged Kesha before I did. I need to get on my game!
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Jen replied:
August 1st, 2010 at 8:13 am
That's inappropriate, Luke.
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Luke Amos replied:
August 1st, 2010 at 11:02 pm
I will not let this sort of thing happen again. I apologize and will step up my game.
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August 1st, 2010 at 10:26 pm
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=32e673a02a558e58e62ea590dc5e5dbb1460ef2b080c1af6ce018c8114394287
This is the link that Mike Vennart posted on the Oceansize board. Download the jam, enjoy, and please do let me know if any of its riffage made it onto "Self Preserved" Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Josh replied:
August 2nd, 2010 at 4:09 am
Hey Corey, thanks for the link. As for the mp3, "TopEndClit," this song or rough draft of a song does not appear to have made the cut for Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up. With that being said, there are a few songs that fit in that same general mood. Therefore, I assure you not all is lost with that idea not being included. I highly encourage checking out what I believe is some of Oceansize's best material yet. Thanks for the link and comments!
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Corey replied:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
Oh well, my anticipatron meter is still through the roof for this album! Jealous that you got to hear it. Oceansize is clearly the greatest band ever. Shame that the world may never know it, but hopefully this album will help them get some more recognition.
[Reply to this comment]
Josh replied:
August 4th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Without a doubt, this album will get Oceansize a lot more eyes on them.
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August 4th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Awesome review, thanks for posting! Silent/Transparent reads a lot like Ornament/The Last Wrongs, going on your description. Is this so?
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Josh replied:
August 4th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hey Matt, thanks for the comment first of all. Yes, it would be fair to say "Silent/Transparent" does unravel similarly to "Ornament/The Last Wrongs." The only differences may be a more fluid build up and overall louder dynamics on "Silent/Transparent." Thanks again for the comment.
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August 7th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
excellent review…as a huge oceansize fan i had the same feelings about the "superimposer" track….but the stuff they played live last year was some of the best 'size stuff" i have ever heard…gonna grab me tickets for the new uk tour……hotel in stoke in september and head home drunk for my 43rd! birthday celebrations on november 15th in manchester……you love it you bastards!
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Josh replied:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Sounds good, ste robbo. "Superimposer" sounds much better in the overall feel of things as the album progresses. While it may sound out of place on it's own, the song fits extremely well in the grand scheme of the album. Rock on!
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August 11th, 2010 at 1:16 am
New to the site…but this Oceansize review means that I will be back. GREAT BAND…my FAVORITE!
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Josh replied:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:31 am
Glad you visited, Jaytwo! I am glad there are some other Oceansize fans out there as this is probably their best work thus far. Be sure to check out Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up and come back and let us know what you think!
Have fun checking out the rest of what the site has to offer.
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JayTwo replied:
August 16th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Can't wait to hear Part Cardiac and Pine….* shivers*
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Josh replied:
August 16th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Two highlights from the album, nonetheless. The wait is over soon!
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JayTwo replied:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Post more snippets! yummy yummy to my tummy!
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Josh replied:
August 16th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Wish we could but we are limited to three clips. That's the way it has been, probably how it will always be. This album will be more than worth your wait.
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JayTwo replied:
August 17th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Does the production sound super compressed on the promo? If so, I hope that's not final mastering.
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Josh replied:
August 17th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Nope, the production doesn't sound compressed at all. Don't worry about the production as it is done rather well.
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Jen replied:
August 17th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Hey Jay, we compress our audio samples down to 128kbps for bandwidth reasons, so the audio samples above are quite compressed compared to the actual audio we received. In other words, the actual cd is going to sound much better.
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Josh replied:
August 17th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
What Jen said.
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JayTwo replied:
August 17th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Word. Thanks Jen! I'm sure it'll sound epic as usual…
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September 10th, 2010 at 5:25 am
I listened to it only three times. Said that I like it but not as much as Frames. Much better than EIP and maybe slightly better than Ellforesce (which I appreciated a lot) but Frames remains their best release. Stronger and braver, here sometimes I have the impression that the band has fear of risking. Don't misinterpret me, it's a great release and I'm looking forward to the concert.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 10th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Great! I am glad you enjoy the album. I would have to say this is my favorite release as the more time I give this record, the more memorable it gets. Have a ton of fun at the concert! I would love to see them live when they roll into the states.
Thanks for the comment!
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September 10th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Hi from Venezuela!
I'm a Oceansize fan and after taking this record every single hour of the last days and I can say "this is the best Oceansize record". My favorite one is "Silent/Transparent"
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 10th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hello!
Amen, this is the best Oceansize record. I adore "Silent/Transparent." My favorite on the album would have to be "Pine," I am afraid. There's just something so calming about it. Thanks for checking out the review!
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Alex replied:
September 11th, 2010 at 10:29 am
…the best proof that this album is great is that every time you hear it, your appreciation for him grows and grows. Frames was "their best" in the exact moment it came out and I even read some bad reviews and now everybody say it's their best thing they've ever done.
What I love about Oceansize is their ability to continue to amaze us
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September 10th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
dude have you posted this elsewhere . cause i read the exact same review on another site .
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Anthony Gannaio replied:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Could you show us where?
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Anthony Gannaio replied:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Nevermind, found it. Ugh.
[Reply to this comment]
Josh Velliquette replied:
September 10th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Yep, just to address this really quick:
I thought it would be a good idea to take some of my reviews and post them on a different site in order to further publicize the bands I had reviewed as well as try to get even more traffic to thenewreview. Come to find out, this was an absolutely horrible idea once Jen threw some common sense my way.
Needless to say, thenewreview.net is my home and I have no intentions of leaving it or abusing my privileges as a reviewer. Thanks for the find though, whiz_is_wizard! Users like you come in real handy when actual plagiarism occurs.
I love thenewreview and all of you should, too!
[Reply to this comment]
September 16th, 2010 at 3:12 am
Wow! I like this album very much!!
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 16th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Sweet! Glad you like it. In my opinion, this is their best work, with Frames right behind it.
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February 25th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Oceansize has broken up. I would offer Kleenex but I have used them all myself. Go give this record a spin, it's worth it. Another underrated, under-appreciated band folds.
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Paradise Lost replied:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
12 years of people being fans of them and they deem a explanation for their breakup 'unnecessary and not forthcoming'? I don't want to seem like a dick but what assholes.
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Corey replied:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Why is it any of your business? I would agree if you simply said it's frustrating. …. but at the same time it's the classy way to go.
So… sorry.. but…. you seem like a dick.
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Paradise Lost replied:
February 25th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
assholes/frustration. same thing. I just think the fans deserve a little more than just 'thats a wrap', especially for a band that's been around for as long as them. May not be my business in the workings of their band but, hey, opinions.
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Barry replied:
June 5th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
I think we all know what they broke up. An explanation ain't really necessary. Just put 2 and 2 together…..
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Nicholas Misiak replied:
June 5th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Man people spat on this band for years. In a way it's like they went out with a quiet bang and silently said a big "fuck you" to everyone. As they have been one of my favorate bands for nearly a decade, I know how they had to fight to get to where they were and I respect their desicion.
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