Oceansize 'Everyone Into Position' album

It's rare for a name to so eloquently sum up a band and yet for Oceansize, their moniker only scratches the surface of the vast, previously unexplored depths of musicianship displayed within this quintet. Hailing from Manchester, Oceansize owe nothing to the city's most renowned acts. Instead Oceansize have, since their formation in 98, followed their own musical paths to stunning effect.

And right now, Oceansize's second album 'Everyone Into Position' sees Messrs Vennart, Durose, Gambler, Ellis and Heron scale new heights of grandiose, ethereal and utterly captivating music. Brooding, dark, spacey, empowering, sprawling and at times angelic, 'Everyone Into Position' takes you on a voyage of mind, body and soul. Recorded and produced by Dan Austin at The Works Studio in Stockport and mixed at Sarm Studios, London, by Coldplay producer Danton Supple. Taking its title from the band's observations of how apathetic the world has become, and the pseudo-caring mentality that's sweeping the nation right now, 'Everyone Into Position' is an album that explores every emotion, sweeping the listener up in its beauty, its wholeness and musical greatness. No one track sounds the same; Oceansize have challenged themselves and thus by the same token ensured the listener doesn't become comfortable while listening. And let's face it, - comfortable is, after all, boring. Mike spent three months locked away in solitary confinement to pen the lyrics on 'Everyone Into Position'. Oceansize has created something that by MikeÕs own admission, they are 'sickeningly proud of'. And so they should be.

The Soundgarden-esque opener 'The Charm Offensive' tells of an inner feeling of political corruptness: "When I flick on the news and see some politicians trying to look all earnest, I can't help but think they are flirting with me and in some way they really, really want to fuck me.' First single 'Heaven Alive' - is packed with a new-found groove, and deals with drug taking and the verbal bullshit that transpires. But it's the final three songs on the album that are arguably Oceansize's most brilliant moments to date. Described by the singer as the 'church suite' - listen to 'Mine Host', 'You Can't Keep A Bad Man Down' and 'Ornament / The Last Wrongs' collectively and you understand just what Mike means. From the simplicity of 'Mine Host', through to the crushing, middle finger to the world angst of 'You Can't Keep..' through to the hymn-like closer, it's the ultimate climatic finale on any modern rock album.

And yet, despite this sheer enormity of talent, the creative process this time around was a difficult one due to the pressure of overshadowing the outstanding debut album - the universally acclaimed 'Effloresce' released in 2003. Thankfully light at the end of the tunnel shone through and Oceansize are now poised to become one of the most ambitious, pioneering bands since Pink Floyd. What makes Oceansize stand out from the quagmire of nondescript bands out there right now is their penchant for epic song writing. Unafraid to deviate from the three minute pop song school of thought, Oceansize have built a career and reputation of constructing sonic soundscapes from out of nowhere into the most monolithic, dynamic behemoths heard in aeons.

Oceansize met at Salford University, forming the three-pronged guitar attack it is now. Since the release of their early independent releases, Oceansize have been known for their stunning live shows, which audiences have lapped up with aplomb. Touring with The Cooper Temple Clause, Cave In, Aereogramme, Biffy Clyro, even the Sisters of Mercy as well as playing their own headline shows has ensured an increasingly healthy live following - a key factor for band longevity in a world where talent has become secondary to band fashion. And an issue Mike for one feels passionate about.

"I have no real sense of style," laughs the frontman. "I am from a council estate in Castleford, I wasn't brought up to spend 50 quid every time I wanted a fucking hair cut! There is nothing cool about being poor, itÕs not like a romantic badge of authenticity but at the end of the day I don't want to make a living off trying to be a fashion band, that stuff is completely alien to me. Music and fashion have always had an unhealthy relationship, which I think only serves to date the content and cheapen the music. We just want people to LISTEN'.

Always stretching themselves, never resting on their laurels, music is of the utmost importance for Oceansize. It's like a religion, nothing else matters. And right now, it makes a darn refreshing change. Embrace the future of music, embrace Oceansize.

OCEANSIZE are:
Mike Vennart – guitar,lead vocals
Steve Durose – guitar, vocals
Gambler – guitar
Jon Ellis – bass guitar
Mark Herrin – drums.

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Oceansize - Everyone Into Position