One of few contemporary bands to make the Stereophonics appear lively, Ocean Colour Scene return with not one, but two slices of the Dadrock pie. They may not inspire many, but the fact is, OCS are headlining a festival this year. No matter what the London consensus states, there is clearly a market for their ironically unique blend of incessant drums, persistent guitars and obscure ideas.
Let's hope that the market isn't too frightened by 'July' then, a track that leaves Weller behind and aspires more to Lenny Kravitz. A vaguely distorted riff reinforces something ambiguous about snow, or clouds, or something, generating the liveliest OCS release in years. 'I Am the News' is back on familiar, plodding territory, with guitars plucked from 'Moseley Shoals', and the anticipated lyrical insignificance. Toe-tappingly acceptable, and entirely inoffensive.
