“Oh! The Ocean” The Wombats
6th album from the alt pop-rock band based in Liverpool. The trio is led by Matthew Murphy on vocals, guitar and keyboards, supported by Tord Øverland Knudsen (bass, keys, backing vocals) and Dan Haggis (drums, keys, backing vocals). Catchy and at times playful melodies with lyrics that delve into important topics and a range of emotions. Arrangements include synths, guitars, bass and drums. The band has built a strong following in the UK. RIYL: Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Death Cab for Cutie, Sam Fender.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 3, 2, 11, 4, 12, 6, 7. FCCs on Tracks 1, 6, 9, 10 and 12 have been edited.

1. (3:11) Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come (Clean Edit) — Infectious synth pop with a catchy melody, captivating bass line, clever and witty lyrics and harmonized vocals. ****
2. (3:13) Can’t Say No — Upbeat pop rock. Layers of synths and guitar over a confident beat. Lyrics focus on managing self-destructive behavior. ***
3. (3:07) Blood On The Hospital Floor — Energetic, infectious show-ready alt rock. Pumping mix. Hook-y chorus. ****
4. (3:34) Kate Moss — Slower and darker sound. Grungier with an array of instruments, including piano. Lower-register vocals. Frequent changes of pace. ***
5. (3:29) Gut Punch — Simple synth pop with quirky chimey synths and sing-song-y chorus.
6. (3:56) My Head Is Not My Friend (Clean Edit) — Emotive vocals with lyrics that explore inner turmoil — set to a simple synth pop melody. Very long decaying final note. Reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie. ***
7. (3:39) I Love America And She Hates Me — Swaggering strut with handclaps and a fabulous bassline. Spacey tones in short lead break. ***
8. (3:08) The World’s Not Out To Get Me, I Am — Guitar rocker. High, harmonized vocals in the chorus.
9. (3:05) Grim Reaper (Clean Edit) — Wistful, dreamy toe-tapper. Melodic with a guitar-and-synth-flavored arrangement that’s on the lighter side.
10. (3:18) Reality Is A Wild Ride (Clean Edit) — March-like pacing. Guitar-driven with a bigger sound.
11. (3:43) Swerve (101) — Propulsive rocker that builds into a stadium-sized anthem. Big harmonized vocals in the chorus. Inspired by a tour that took the band to L.A., driving on the 101. ***
12. (4:47) Lobster (Clean Edit) — Sultry and jazzy rock. Stripped back groove with rich harmonies in the chorus. Intricate bass and drum lines. ***
13. (3:20) Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come (Unedited) — FCC: fuck — Unedited version of track 1.
14. (3:56) ) My Head Is Not My Friend (Unedited) — FCC: fucking (twice) — Unedited version of track 6.
15. (3:05) Grim Reaper (Unedited) — FCC: fucking, shit — Unedited version of track 9.
16. (3:18) Reality Is A Wild Ride (Unedited) — FCC: fuck — Unedited version of track 10.
17. (4:47) Lobster (Unedited) — FCC: bullshit (3 times), fucking — Unedited version of track 12.