Stanley June’s latest album Oceans is a mammoth collection of songs that are equal parts cheesy and relatable.
Continuing the enduring and endearing legacy of pop-punk, Oceans is tastefully self-indulgent and explores those fickle emotions we’re all guilty of harbouring from time to time.
What gives this album an edge is the freedom June allows his guitar. Rather than treat it purely as a rhythmic device, as so many 21st century rock bands do, he gives it complete melodic license which brings his songs a great sense of dynamism.
At 17 tracks long, Oceans is bound to cover a lot of thematic ground. “Face the Tide” stands strong in the face of whatever struggles life throws its way, while the vulnerable “Broken Lungs” earnestly admits to temporarily faltering in strength.
“Disappear” takes things in a more existential direction as it asks, with a hint of frustration and anger, why we put up with so much unhappiness – before the self-loathing tinged “One More Night” drips with regret.
Oceans is a marathon of an album but its honesty and relatability, combined with some astute songwriting skills make it worth the time.
