The Aussie alternative and progressive rock scene is as broad as it is bountiful. Sydney five-piece Glass Ocean add another dimension to that voluminous scene. You could play Glass Ocean to someone with more mainstream musical tastes to give them a taste of modern Australian alt-rock. The music is dark and atmospheric, however, unlike your Cogs and Karnivools, it’s not bludgeoningly heavy or mindbogglingly complex. Without being cheesy, Glass Ocean’s songs are smooth as silk and catchy as hell.
Production-wise, II has a very natural, intoxicating sound. The guitars are jangly, almost jazzy at times (especially on closer What Plato Said), while Tobias Atkins’ low-end croon gets right under your skin. Of course, quality sounds mean zip without great songs. No fear, though, as these guys have given us five of the best. Slipping and sliding between your fingers like musical silk, the songs are varied, surprising and compelling.
Glass Ocean’s sophomore EP is quite simply beautiful. Hopefully a long player by these guys isn’t too far away.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
