What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
Shakespeare hit the nail right on the head. The new Oceana EP "Clean Head" might catch listeners off guard, but isn't the objective when making music? After a short break up, the band has returned with their follow up to 2009's "Birtheater" and have completely abandoned their heavier sound. It's not a bad thing that the band has evolved and created a new sound, because the tracks on Clean Head are fantastic, but some will say a name change feels like it should take place. The ambient guitar work that was a big key to the bands first two albums is more prevalent than ever and the lack of screaming showcases the vocal abilities of front man Brennan Taulbee. At times his singing is reminiscent to Bright Eyes mastermind Conor Oberst. While the EP is only four tracks long, it gives listeners a new insight as to the direction the band will be taking and leaves you wanting to know how their next full length will come out sounding.
Nick Zimmer