EP REVIEW: Labyrinthine Oceans – everyone was alive

‘…a vulnerable, explosive, and sometimes deeply uncomfortable exploration of grief…’

Labyrinthine Oceans are an emerging talent that have described their sound as ‘grunge-gaze’, although even that doesn’t cover the scope of their sound. The Newcastle four-piece, who are now based in London, have toyed with styles such as post-rock, noise rock, and dreamo across their career, establishing themselves as a band that refuses to adhere to wider expectations.

‘everyone was alive’ is a release that the band have been building up to for a little over a year now. All of their recent singles are brought together, along with one brand new track, culminating in a vulnerable, explosive, and sometimes deeply uncomfortable exploration of grief.

‘pinch’ is a thrilling opening number, with swirling verses that vault into soaring choruses, tied together by a particularly brilliant percussive performance from Patrick Ilderton. The EP’s exploration of grief refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of it, and ‘pinch’ represents that vision perhaps the most clearly, with allusions to self-harm and suicidal ideation.

‘untitled’ is when Julia O’Neil-Walton gets to truly show off her phenomenal vocals. Shifting from shiver inducing belts to crackling, pleading screams, she carves out an immense space in the claustrophobic soundscape, constantly performing as if she is fighting for her life.

‘lost to the ocean’ is a particularly beautiful number that offers both wonderfully melodic bass lines and soul-stirring guitar work; the driving solo is a near transcendental moment of musicianship. The EP then closes out with brand new single ‘heaven’, which sees O’Neil-Walton deliver a stunning vocal performance that utilises her divine upper register. The track builds towards a looping climax that is layered with scorching feedback.

‘everyone was alive’ is the sound of a band that doesn’t care about algorithms, viral hits, and catchy hooks. The music here is not just artistically fresh and exciting, but also weighty with an important message: grief isn’t merely a sadness, but a wholly unique entity that will take you by surprise.

A brand new full-length record from this band is certain to be something special.

RATING: 79/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Kate Bush, Manchester Orchestra, Seahaven, Loathe, since torino

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify