ALBUM REVIEW: The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else – Glass Ocean

Progressive rock outfit GLASS OCEAN have been pretty quiet on the release front since their initial double header of EP’s back in 2014/2015 but now is the time for the Aussies to make their triumphant return with their debut full length effort The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else which is due for release on August 21st via Wild Thing Records. Whilst Nic Pettersen of NORTHLANE has stepped down from drumming duties in this project he still remains a presence in the form of co-writer. Will this release assist in bringing them back to the spotlight?

Voyage kick starts the album with vibrant, endearing tones and punchy drum beats. The commanding vocal presence of frontman Tobias Atkins is instantly felt as his baritone style perfectly accompanies the chilled atmospherics. The overall vibe of the track is incredibly cathartic and sets the stage in impressive fashion. A Dream From Which I May Not Wake continues the dramatic prose with prominent bass lines and an upbeat demeanour. The overall instrumentation leans towards the progressive side of the spectrum but is so clean and accessible that it feels effortless to listen to. Beyond Us lets the vocals lead the way with the guitar work traversing the background of the piece in the initial stages but suddenly bursts to the forefront for the emphatic chorus lines. The tempo in this track is particularly inviting as it smoothly drifts along.

The drum work of Asteroid Blue almost resembles a heartbeat, pulsing in and out of focus. The energetic pacing is reined in this time round, allowing the softer, gliding atmosphere to whisk you away. Burn introduces snappy drum segments and eccentric guitar riffs into the mix to add to the diversity on show. This track exudes a chilled 80’s vibe which charms you with it’s cool, tranquil mood. Soul Slumber follows a similar path with serene passages that display Atkins at his mesmerising best, luring you in with his silky tone.

Divide picks up the tempo harnessing a distinct brightness and vigour as addictive bass lines float through the track. The introspective lyrical content resonates throughout with lines such as “Look at yourself in the mirror, am I not what you wanted to be?”. Bolero may well be the most moreish track of 2020 as it’s sleek, enticing nature seeps into your pores. It will undoubtedly have you bopping along by the time it’s finished. Pride dabbles with various percussive elements and uplifting guitar work to elevate the enticing melodious vibe.

Self And Sacrifice possesses quite a sombre mood in comparison to its counterparts but showcases a thematically positive message of powering through the struggles you may encounter. GLASS OCEAN save some of their most dramatic material for one last flourish as Almaida offers up a tense yet utterly captivating narrative to provide a fitting climax.

The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else is an album that you really need to experience for yourself to understand just how rich and elegant the arrangements are. The layers are intricate without being too invasive and the finished product is so compellingly irresistible that it oozes replay-ability. The tone and delivery which Atkins possesses gives GLASS OCEAN a significant edge and helps bring the pieces to life with his deep, emotive range. To return from a hefty interval between releases and construct compositions of this calibre is a true testament to the amount of talent this band possess.

Rating: 9/10

The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else is due for release on August 21st via Wild Thing Records

Like GLASS OCEAN on Facebook