Waterworks

There is a common conception, especially in indie rock, that goes something like this: a band forms; their creativity is at their apex; then the sign to an independent label and make a few incredible albums showcasing the raw and unadulterated brilliance of their art; later, however, they break through and become popular, landing on a major label, which provides them strong production; and finally many of their old fans lose interest citing as a reason either selling out or being over-produced. As an addition, the band may even have become washed up and doesn't really write well anymore. Granted, this is a common conception, but not necessarily an accurate one, although I can think of one example: Oasis, whose later non-Creation albums never really caught the ferocity of their first two. But the point is that few bands who stay around for the long term and who begin small and rise to the ranks rarely match their early work in quality or originality.The Ocean Blue, however, are anomalous. Their very first recordings in Hershey notwithstanding The Ocean Blue jumped immediately into the majors (sire) and by their second album, the deservedly praised Cerulean, they became Americas answer to contemporary British music such as Lush, Pale Saints, Chapter House, and several others. In this regard, I would like to make the following argument: while the influences of The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cocteau Twins, and other 80's bands, ultimately, TOB is not an 80's band. They were thoroughly in keeping with early 90's shoegaze and 90's guitar-driven twee and indie-pop, particularly those bands from England on labels such as Creation and Sarah Records. TOB is unique, however, in that they mixed these styles with a light and accessible pop sound that was, and remains to be, optimistic and absolutely listenable. But my point here is that they started on majors and went back to indie labels, and did, really, what bands do when they do indie records in the beginning - they make raw, interesting, creative, and exciting music.I had some reservations about this e.p. before hearing it. No doubt going from expensive production and label supported touring to finding a day job can be a real downer. But I believe their later work after See illustrates this bunch is the real deal. I don't see a real care or concern with fame and the accolades. What I do see, as this album illustrates, is passion for making indie pop, and, day job be dammed, music has to be made.This e.p. is solid from beginning to end and showcases all that they can do, from ethereal instrumentals to tasty jangly pop music. It also shows that they are a band despite not living in close proximity to one another: Schelzel and Ronne both write and sing, and the songs still feel coherent and work together as a collection.I don't care to take up each track but rather simply comment on the e.p. as a complete work, and as any complete work there will be standout tracks. One other peculiarity of The Ocean Blue is that every album they have done is good, but some songs are just so good they make the others take the back-seat. To some degree Waterworks has this problem, but I'll leave it to you to decide.On the whole, HIGHLY recommended, and a new album is HIGHLY anticipated.

Great alternative band!

2007 version of The Ocean Blue is very familiar. Not much has changed and that my friends is a good thing! Sounding more like the Smiths on this album (if that's possible) they create a toe tapping good time. Track 5 "Sunshower" has become my new fav. Do yourself a favor and pick this up to complete your collection. I only gave it four stars due to the fact it is so very short but hay, a little Ocean Blue is better than none at all.

Great EP! A bit different from their other work however, a nice addition to TOB catalog.

I like all the songs on this cd. Just wish it had a few more songs on it. I miss the Sax player they use to have in the band.

This CD is awesome!!! It rocks the mike!!! A very hard CD to get. I can't tell you how many places I went to and they told me they could get it and then said, oh, I'm sorry we can't get it. So I was ecstatic when Amazon had it. But I think they were down to their last one when I ordered. If you like Ocean Blue - then this is a must-have CD. Personally, this is my favorite band of all. I could listen to these guys 24/7. I truly love this CD.

So yep, another great CD from The Ocean Blue! What else is there to say? This band is amazing. Loved 'em back in the late 80's and 90's... love 'em today. :)

WONDERFUL CD!!! Classic TOB....if you are a true fan, this album is for you!!!

Ce n'est pas le meilleur album de Ocean Blue, un peu mélancolique et doux. C'est pour compléter ma collection de cet excellent groupe

８０年代後半にデビューしたアメリカのアズテック・カメラ、オーシャン・ブルー。ひっそり出てました。相変わらずのギタードミネイテッドサウンド。今となっては希少価値。フルアルバムかとおもいきや２３分で欲求不満？英国ギターロック好きの方はぜひどーぞ。米国産とは思えません。皆イケメンですし（笑）