The Short of It
Oh! The Ocean is an assortment of indie rock, pop, and electronic elements that lean on the strength of Matthew Murphy’s lyrics for its strength. Tracks like “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come” showcase the band’s ability to craft infectious melodies, while songs like “Kate Moss” (which reminded me of Twenty One Pilots) explore darker, more atmospheric soundscapes. The production is crisp and polished, allowing each instrument to shine through.
The Path of My Thoughts on This Album
Musically, the year 2022 arrived with fire. Bands seemed excited to plan post-COVID tours, and it shined in the music. Every album I received to review in January and February was a banger. Containing the song “Method to the Madness,” The Wombats’ Fix Yourself, Not the World was one of these. [This was why I asked to review Oh! The Ocean.]
Jump to 2024
I am as much a moody AF music fan as ever. Maybe other people feel my pain. I find a new project to fall in love with, and that excitement lifts my spirit and filters into all my listening. With new rose-colored glasses, I appreciate nearly everything I hear. However, the tint begins to muddy the naturally beautiful colors of the world, and I can no longer find a rhythm, a beat, or a mood to follow. High ups and low downs. It has occurred for as long as I can remember; unfortunately, 2024 was like that.
Look at the 2025 Grammy winners. Cowboy Carter? Album of the Year? This is not about Beyoncé; I love her and most of her music. But as her first Album of the Year win? No. Absolutely not. It is a smack in the face to all her other albums, a subtle dig that she must assimilate to succeed. Ugh.
Another example is “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. It is a great song that showcases his skills. However, the idea that he has to go after Drake to get that commercial attention? (I know; there is also DAMN, but I am focusing on 2024.) He suggests some pretty damning accusations. Maybe he has some insider knowledge. Yet, if not, our culture is celebrating the notion that we can say whatever we want about another person without proof, which is extremely dangerous in this day and age.
I won’t even touch that New Blue Sun by André 3000 was up for Album of the Year.
Don’t get me wrong. There were albums that I liked very much: Khruangbin’s A LA SALA, Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal, Brijean’s Macro, and Sault’s Acts of Faith. I listened to a lot of great Neil Frances, Sault, Yazmin Lacey, Fujiya & Miyagi, Jitwam, and finally learned about DRAMA (a duo from Chicago). However, I struggled to get past my music low.
2025 and The Wombats
I apologize for the long explanation in the last section; I was trying to take you where I’ve been to take you where I am going.
So far this year, I have been sent new music by SASAMI, The Wombats, and Dope Lemon; I have heard new songs from Surprise Chef, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Thandii, and I have access to cover my first music festival. 2025 seems to be forcing me to return to music with passion, and if so, I will willingly go. But, back to The Wombats.
I had to write all of this because The Wombats’ Oh! The Ocean stirred something in me. Starting with the first song, look at the title: “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come.” Although I am trying to break from that sarcastic perspective, it makes me laugh. Then, I listened to it. “I’m aware that I’m the problem/But that doesn’t solve the problem.” It’s clever and witty yet at the same time . . . the catchy pop sound tells me the situation is much more complicated. In the second verse, Matthew Murphy shares the line, “I’m only hearing every other word.” My thought: that’s pretty f’n good. I used to tell people I’m at about 15%.
Like a lot of Indie Rock albums, Oh! The Ocean uses a similar rhythm, a string of musical ideology to drive it. If I didn’t look at the playlist, I would have had no idea what song I was on, especially in the middle of the album. While there are changes, some bands I listen to make more dramatic transitions within one song. However, “Kate Moss,” “Reality is a Wild Ride,” and “Lobster” stand out and make clear breaks in thought to help ground their listeners.
I know how that last paragraph can sound. However, it showed the connectivity I look for. Albums need to have a theme, thread sown through, and The Wombats accomplish this. If the entirety of Oh! The Ocean had been a stream of consciousness, it would not have been as interesting. Understanding that there needs to be a shift shows their growth as a band and their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound.
Final Thought: I didn’t push the details of the music and songs like I do in some reviews. This is not a good or bad thing. The point that I am trying to hit is that this album helped me enjoy Indie Rock again. There is comfort and relatability in The Wombats’ sound and Murphy’s lyrics.
Interesting Fact: All the songs live between three and four minutes. However, the last song, “Lobster,” clocks in at four minutes and forty-seven seconds.
Favorite Songs: “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come,” “Kate Moss,” and “Swerve (101)”
Rating - 4.5 of 5
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