Oceansize
Frames

"Music is evolution".

Try to reflect on this simple concept: every genre or musical branch stems from a diversification from the customs that had characterized previous proposals up to that point. I am not talking about greater complexity, but about attitude. There's nothing complex about punk, but when it was born it was an innovation compared to the imperious progressive of the seventies. A simplification for sure, call it devolution if you will, but it was not a step back, rather the creation of new communication models capable of igniting the feelings of a generation.

Art has always exposed itself in the same way; its contents have changed, but the purpose has always been the same: to amaze.

This preamble seemed necessary to me to be able to talk about Oceansize; an English quintet belonging to that musical trend called (only for comprehension needs) neo-prog, which makes evolution its calling card.

From the complexity of their debut "Effloresce" (2003), these guys have transitioned to an apparent simplicity with "Everyone into Position" (2005), which led detractors to make derogatory claims about its more melodic and mainstream approach. Almost as a response to these nevertheless unfounded criticisms, here they return in 2007 with "Frames". Both compact and experimental (which is saying something), they skillfully blend elements of post-rock with hardcore outbursts within the same track thanks to the expansiveness shared by all the pieces on the platter (all tracks exceed 6 minutes).

The compositions are tackled with a natural propensity towards melody that manages to break the tension even in the most intricate passages where three guitars entwine in psychedelic and dreamy arpeggios. Yet everything is inseparably linked, and there are no feeling of forcefulness in inserting passages that run counter to the mood of the piece—on the contrary, these are variations that surprise the listener without ever seeming extreme. Every movement prepares for the next, and thus in an emotional kaleidoscope, all the tracks imprint themselves on the mind, leaving us with the sensation of having listened to something as direct as punk or glam-rock, despite the instrumental complexity and recognizable overlays on more attentive listens.

Making something deliberately varied sound catchy doesn't seem easy at all, but just listen to "Trail of Fire" to realize the naturalness with which these guys achieve it; a pace repeatedly accelerated and slowed down, ready to explode when the accumulated tension requires it.

And so on this journey, we venture into the relaxation of "Savant," the explosive energy of "Sleeping Dogs and Dead Lions," up to the dreamy expansiveness of "Frame," and time doesn't even seem to pass. We've heard a number of sound variations that would allow many groups to build an entire discography, yet here it’s all in less than 70 minutes and doesn't seem compressed at all.

But if you want coordinates before diving into the greatness of this ocean, I can tell you that having listened to Porcupine Tree, Dredg, Mogwai, Tool, or Motorpsycho here will make you feel at home, but seated on a new armchair. Here there is the taste for exploration typical of certain progressive, the propensity for pop melody, and the energy of rock and punk; a delightful concentrate that I strongly recommend you savor.

A record full of originality and a desire to astonish, in short, a record that I'm sure will amaze you, as it is the task of art to do.