We Are The Ocean - Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow review

We Are The Ocean are back with their third full-length release, throughout their career We Are The Ocean have changed their sound a number of times, beginning with post-hardcore sound, then changing to the southern rock sound they produced on their second full length ‘Go Now And Live’. ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’ is a natural progression from the last album and it seems as if the band have finally developed a sound which they are happy with and will continue with in the future.

The album begins with ‘Stanford Rivers’ which works as a short intro to the album. The Intro is slow and is cleverly used before the first single ‘Bleed’ which explodes the album into life. Heavy drum beats provide the platform for vocalist Liam Cromby to use his silky rock voice to create a powerful rock song with a highly addictive chorus. ‘Young Heart’ slows proceedings down, but is typical of the easy listening sound that WATO seem so skillful at creating. Liam’s voice is beautifully complemented by calming guitar tones.

‘Story of A Modern Child’ is another track on the album which relies on it’s chorus to make the song appealing to the ear. Similarly to the ‘Bleed’ the chorus seems to create a soulful number similar to the likes of The Gaslight Anthem who have become so successful with their soul punk sound. ‘Machine’ is a much more anthemic number, repeated drum beats and Cromby’s vocals creates a powerful track which flows perfectly into “The Road” which contains the most catchiest of choruses. Again Cromby’s vocals are key in the success of this song, the instrumentation syncing perfectly with the vocals to create such an emphatic and anthemic number.

‘Golden Gate’ is a much more slower and easy listening rock song, this track allows the listener to appreciate the clever use of instruments, thanks to experimental guitar tones which work well. ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’ picks up the tempo further but has a much more softer chorus than previous tracks on the album. Again, the guitar and drum works are cleverly implemented to create another wonderful slice of soul punk. ‘Pass me by’ is a slower more folky track, new territory for We Are The Ocean. The band show great variety and depth of sound with this track. The album then comes to an end with ‘Chin Up, Son’ which features Liam Cromby’s vocals and an acoustic guitar. It’s a fitting conclusion to a very well constructed album, and provides a great showcase of Cromby’s vocal talent.

The album is very much worth listening to if you’re a fan of straightforward easy listening alternative rock or soul punk. The band seemed to have finally found a sound to settle with, their previous album ‘Go Now And Live’ received positive reviews, and ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’ will work as another stepping stone for the future success of the band.