Ocean Groove - Up In The Air Forever [CD]

As a gift to Ocean Grove’s “Junkies” (the already-citizens of the Oddworld) and for those uninitiated, the trio have lovingly created their third full-length album Up In The Air Forever and its tangible companion, The Oddworld 3000. With its release, Ocean Grove are inviting all to strap on the sneaker and fasten themselves to the Oddworld movement. It’s an extended hand of hope and validation to anyone that feels like an outsider on this planet – a personal welcome from Dale, Twiggy and Sam to step beyond the normal and into the freedom of the anti-normal. A 10-track, genre-bending epic musical journey, Up In The Air Forever is characterised by strong anarchic sentiments and resentment for a system that squashes individualism and creativity. At the top-end of the record lives the explosive pair ‘SEX DOPE GOLD’ and ‘CALI SUN’, where Ocean Grove collectively shake off culture’s message to chase fulfilment through insubstantial exploitative measures. Meanwhile ‘BORED’ (feat. Dune Rats) and ‘NOISE’ find the trio explicitly rejecting societal dictates and pressures, and the rat-race designed to keep individuals and humanity docile (What about the 10-year plan to settle down soon? begs the latter). Though there’s criticism and irritation present, Up In The Air Forever ultimately delivers a head-spinning dose of positive energy and a message of courage and unity in a bitter and troubled world. It’s an impassioned burst of light amid the darkness, confusion and “up in the air” nature of our world today. Dale describes further how the album’s title is a parallel to the unforeseeable nature of life. “COVID or not, everything is always uncertain,” he muses. “Being fearful of uncertainty and the unknown squashes creativity. Embracing this notion of things being up in the air forever, eternally, is a really positive thing if you take it on board and let it empower you.” Uncertainty has followed Ocean Grove for much of their career as musicians, from multiple lineup and creative team changes, to witnessing their 2020 album, Flip Phone Fantasy’s release and touring campaign become completely undone by the pandemic. Even still, PMA informs Dale, Twiggy and Sam in everything they do and who they are as people and creatives – and it’s a message they vehemently want to spread further on Up In The Air Forever. “I've always believed in PMA,” Twiggy rhapsodises, and he has the letters tattooed on his forearm to demonstrate. “Personally, what I want this album to be is a source of freedom for people to realise their own abilities and inabilities. Knowing that, they can find the clarity and independence to move forward and make the right decisions for themselves without any outside influence.” Shunning outside influence informed the musical side of Up In The Air Forever. Ocean Grove describe how they found their sound on Flip Phone Fantasy, and that its new sibling record is a further elevation of their Oddworld-branded music. Through tethers of hard rock and g