THE REMNANTS OF LOSING YOURSELF IN SOMEONE ELSE

Featuring members out of Sydney and Melbourne GLASS OCEAN is a prog outfit with a really distinctive sound. Initiated by Tobias Atkins (vocals) and Nic Petterson, who also plays the drums for a metalcore band named Northlane. Following a debut EP some years ago this album is their first full-length appearance, released in Summer 2020. Now here Petterson surprisingly has stepped down from the drumming task, remains as a co-writer though anyhow. Thus the current quintet is completed by Eamonn Wooster on the bass, the two guitarists Julian Dobric and Nguyen Pham, as well as new percussionist Patrick Smith.

'The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else' - well, like it is in most cases, this thematically shows up a mystery, a rather complicated issue at least, right? Furthermore, I guess Atkins' presence might be somewhat controversial for one or two. He's unique for sure, has a throaty and charming voice at once somehow, a bit narrative styled. Hey, when it comes to me, this appeals. I really like that. It complements the compositions, the sentimental vibe all over. The delivery is a heartfelt and soulful atmosphere all over. Exemplarily I would point out the beautiful Asteroid Blue or Self And Sacrifice.

Anyway, for some time I was inclined to complain about too much lack of diversity concerning the nearly fourty minutes running time. Though if one occasionally breaks away from the dominant emotive voice, a better sense of the song structure, the rhythms, those ebbs and flows, and the instrumental impact comes up. It takes time of course. For example on Pride or Bolero there's some Talk Talk appeal given on one hand. Heavy grooves otherwise, even metal sentiment on Beyound US or Almaida closer to the likes of Karnivool or Anathema.

'Ever felt like you're not in control?' - just wanted to hightlight my current favourite Divide finally. I'm always forced to singalong here. Surely a recommendation, this one. With 'The Remnants Of Losing Yourself In Someone Else' the GLASS OCEAN crew is offering a rounded and consistent album, with a minor blemish of sounding a bit too one-dimensional. What remains in any case, regarding the next album, the one step to a masterpiece probably, there's still room for improvement, for more surprises, edges and corners.