Frames

One of the biggest travesties in modern music is that prog rockers Oceansize were never as big as they deserved to be. When it comes down to crafting complex yet absorbing songs Oceansize were the very best and 'Frames' was their masterpiece. Despite having only 8 songs it is over 75 minutes long and yet it never drags as each song changes signature or transforms mid way through to always keep you hooked. A lot must be said for Mike Vennart whos voice is excellent here as are his lyrics, while drummer Mark Heron proves hes one of the best drummers in music with some incredible drumming on display.'Commemorative 9/11 T-Shirt' starts things off as it flows along underpinned by Heron's powerful drumming, Vennart's calm voice and some great guitar work. Next 'Unfamiliar' is the shortest song here, even though its 6 and a half minutes long, and is build on some excellent rhythms. The next two songs might be the best here. 'Trial Of Fire' is as innovative and complex as it gets, starting off with soft guitars and great vocals it changes into a progressive tour de force. The latter 3 and a half minutes of the song are some of the most intense and powerful i've ever hear, with Heron performing some jaw dropping drumming. While 'Savant' is the albums most beautiful moment with some soft vocals and swirling guitars before building to a fantastic string-based conclusion.'Only Twin' is more subdued, built around a keyboard before becoming more of a beast as it progresses. 'An Old Friend Of Christy's' Is the most atmospheric song, being mainly creepy sounds and the bang of bass and drums until it explodes into a rock out middle section. Penultimate track 'Sleeping Dogs and Dead Lions' is the heaviest song here, built around grunge like guitars and frantic drumming with a fantastic conclusion. Final song 'The Frame' is a wonderful closer. The bittersweet guitars and atmospheric vocals make for a stunning conclusion.Frames is easily one of the best rock albums in years and was certainly Oceansize's high point.

Last things first.... 'Vorhees' nearly ruined this album for me. Frames takes almost 70 minutes ebbing, flowing and coming to an almighty climax with 'The Frame'. Then it's all but ruined by the bonus track which is by far the worst track on here & doesn't fit with the rest of the album. This is a really annoying trait (which incidentally, nearly wrecks 'De Loused' by The Mars Volta too) & must be stopped. Use the track as a B side or online-only single but not on the album.Without the bonus track 'Frames' is magnificent & builds upon thier previous releases. Took me a couple of listens & a bit of time for everything to soak in so don't expect to be blown away immediately. It's hard to do a track by track breakdown because everything flows seamlessly & seems more like 1 piece of music. The material is both heavier & more ambient somehow but never strays far from the trademark Oceansize vibe. They have become the epitome of modern progressive music in my opinion. I wouldn't even call them a rock band anymore because there are equal slices of Indie (80's / early 90's indie. The stuff that was actually on independant labels), Rock, Ambient, Electronic, Classical & other elements too. I thought they would struggle to follow 'Everyone Into Position' but 'Frames' sounds like an effortless continuation of their ethos: Bigger, Wider, Fuller. The Band all sound like more accomplished, confident musicians too. I suppose it's altogether more grown up than previous releases.My only real criticism is that the album becomes a little over-produced at times. Producer Dan Austin is excellent & has contributed to some of the best sounding rock records of the past few years but maybe he's trying too hard. There is too much orchestration throughout 'Frames' & it's altogether too full at times. I'd just like a bit more room to breathe every now & then. I also suspect that it's been subjected to the modern Mastering curse where we lose most of the dynamic range at the expense of making it sound 'loud'. Still a 5 star album but I'd love to get hold of the Master tapes...

Can these guys do any wrongs i doubt it completely, i saw these guys at "the rescue rooms" in Nottingham last night the album was waiting at home to be opened but i decided not to spoil the surprise i'd get when they played new tracks at the gig.Totally stunning (thanks for the autograph Mike on my ticket - i just couldnt resist it), the set these guys played was immense, they are an immense group maybe not as assectaple to many including the record press as groups like HIM or even MOGWAI but these guys rock.The sound they produce on this new album confirms their greatness to me, each and every track has all the elements that we've become accustomed to from the very first "a very still movement ep" to the last "new pin single" this album creates textures and feelings inside that make you wish you could play it all day. I for one won't ever get fed up or tired by this album as i think we do with some albums, Oceansize are a great band with a great sound and it all comes together perfectlyI refuse to pick out individual tracks because they are all fantastic in their own right, this album is produced perfectly no loss of sound quality and in this modern fast produced and rushed business called "rock music" it makes a difference to find a group that refuse to bite the bullet and produce fast rubbish radio based musicthis is a stunning album by a great group who keep you on the edge of your seat well done guys ...SEE THEM LIVE ... BUY THE ALBUM ... SEE THEM LIVE ... BUY THE ALBUM ... SEE THEM LIVE ... BUY THE ALBUM ... SEE THEM LIVE ... BUY THE ALBUM ... GET THE IDEA?Top notch stuff .... spot on .... greatness falls on those who are supported and continue to let their music flow .... welcome to Oceansize