River Becomes Ocean may be a name that you’ve not come across before, but it won’t stay like that for long. The Brighton based quintet have been grinding away for years, releasing infectious post-hardcore and touring in support of scene heavyweights like Silverstein and Framing Hanley. The newest addition to their catalogue is new record ‘A Motion Paralysed’. Their goal? To step things up a notch.
Right from the off, the record has a very atmospheric, almost cinematic feel to it. Opening track ‘Brighton’ is a gentle instrumental number, building towards the aural explosion that is ‘This Hell Is Heaven Sent’. The changes in dynamics and pace paint a vast musical landscape, with every brush stroke placed with absolute precision
The record has a great balance of heavy hitters and lullabies, treading from one side of the line to the other. Love the grittier side of things? Soaring single ‘Addicted’, the crushing ‘Face You’ and the irresistible ‘The End’ will keep a big grin on your face. If you’re craving softer vibes, though, tracks like ‘Happy’ and beautiful album closer ‘The Fall’ will feed your fix with ease.
If you like post-hardcore with a bit more kick and heaviness, this record is for you. If you’ve been dying to hear something that sounds like a cross between Hands Like Houses, Senses Fail and Deaf Havana, this record is for you. River Becomes Ocean are firing on all cylinders with ‘A Motion Paralysed’, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Giant spacious riffs, straight to the point drums, atmosphere-enhancing synths and backing. All this complements Marvin McMahon’s powerful vocal delivery, throwing big hooks into each track and hammering addictive melodies into your brain. When you listen to the record in full, it’s obvious that River Becomes Ocean are sculpting their sound for bigger venues if they carry on down the path they’re treading, those bigger venues will become a reality sooner rather than later. A big and bold debut album.
DAVE STEWART