climbing walls (EP) by anocean

DC/Balt shoegaze supergroup anocean releases debut J. Robbins produced EP Climbing Walls.

A powerful union of past members of beloved shoegaze bands Thrushes and Mittenfields, anocean has emerged as a tuneful and dramatic force within the DC and Baltimore scene.

Drawing from the dynamic songwriting and hazy melodic sweetness that come second nature to them, they also return to the live fireworks that were a hallmark of their times on area stages. This is a band that delivers the goods on every level. Diving into the famed Magpie Cage studio in Baltimore to work with producer and Jawbox frontman J. Robbins, the five tracks that emerged serve as the perfect link to the proud shoegaze history of the area. Anna Conner’s vocals sit side by side with the likes of Chvrches Lauren Mayberry and Alvvays Molly Rankin, and while it is easy to liken the overall sound to Slumberland era bands, the reality is much closer to the fully realized joys of Sub Pop era Velocity Girl.

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When Kyle Franta steps to the mic, it fully solidifies that connection. Backed by an inspired rhythm section of Dave Mann and Pete Ryan, who elevate everything in the fashion of the best Ride or Drop Nineteens songs, anocean impresses with a delightful debut. These five songs swirl around you, tickling your ears, and then like a burst of light in the distance, they are gone, beckoning you back for more. The best kind of introduction. – John Foster

Release date: November 1, 2024
Label: Self released
Genre(s): Alternative, shoegaze

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