amazing ep guys should defo get it

Starting out in 2011 from Birmingham, it's surprising how quickly this band has risen. They debuted with the single Clocks which has today passed a million views, and had a number of big-name tour slots. If there's one thing I can call this EP, it's progress. Clocks was not a bad single by any means, but it really did play into far too many of the stereotypes of metalcore; breakdowns, skinny jeans, jumping on the spot, awkwardly placed clean vocals. But much has changed since Clocks.

On this EP, Oceans Ate Alaska explore the far more technical, progressive side of their music. There's very little chugging here beyond the infrequent breakdown sections, and there's actually some very impressive guitar work. Take a listen to "To Catch a Flame" if you want to see what I'm talking about; skilful and melodic riffs balanced against a heavier guitar sound. Hunting Season is probably the highlight of this song; great variety of vocals, the guitars effortlessly craft melodic and heavy sections, and there's a fantastic crescendo at about 1:30.

This band isn't perfect, after all they're less than a year old and this is their debut EP. They definitely need to drop the breakdowns entirely; not because breakdowns are inherently bad, but because these guys have the potential to be so much more than a band that exists to get teenagers running around in a circle and "hxc dancing". The clean vocals aren't bad but they need to be placed a bit better and used more sparsely. Occasionally they chorus feels disjointed as though it was sort of haphazardly placed in the song. A great emphasis on low growls would be great too as the high vocals, after a while, begin to get a bit monotonous. With a bit more experience under their belts, some maturation and some good influence from a good producer, these guys could be very, very big. That's the thing that hits me most about this EP; that this band has so much potential. So, give this EP a shot, you'll very likely enjoy it, and even if you don't then these guys are worth keeping an eye on because you can expect to hear a lot more from them in the future.

Serious talent here, love the E.P!!!!!

Some real talent shown. Amazing riffs and some killer vocals. These guys are epic!

OAA are stupidly epic.

Looking forward to watching these guys go far

This EP is incredible! You guys are getting so big now !

Absolutely amazing.

Me!