Album Review: Being As An Ocean - 'How We Both Wondrously Perish'

28 April 2014 | 12:08 am | Alex Sievers
Originally Appeared In

BAAO continue their great track record.

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Chances are that if you are an avid listener of any sort of hardcore or pop-punk, you've heard or at least come across the name Being As An Ocean. This faith praising melodic hardcore five-piece went from being relatively unknown to scene favourites in just under two years. Their debut album, 2012's 'Dead G-d', was a great album and it did equally great things for the band. Musically, the full-length was stellar, but it wasn't quite flawless. Bland and underwhelming clean vocals and some pacing and flow issues held the record back from being a truly landmark release. The band has now honed their sound by making it all a little less textured. They have kept the balanced mixing, improved the singing department, and as a result, crafted an album that is just as good as its predecessor.

 

But ultimately, 'How We Both Wondrously Perish' isn't better or worse than 'Dear G-D', as it has its own little nuances.

 

'Mediocre Shakespeare' and lead single, 'Death's Great Black Wing Scrapes the Air' kick off this sophomore offering and they're exactly what you would expect from Being As An Ocean. Powerful guitar melodies that swap between clean and heavy riffs, all of which harbour massive grooves, and tight, dynamic drumming from new time keeper, Connor Dennis - who really steps up for his debut with the band. Couple all of this with the hard-hitting and passionate screams and poetic spoken words of Joel Quartuccio and you've got a winning combination. However, there's now another ingredient to throw in -  the clean vocals of new guitarist Michael McGough (formerly of The Elijah).

 

McGough adds a whole new layer to the band's sound. His vocals really out shine Quarticco'sf rom 'Dear G-D', and he has such a soaringly warm tone that it's nearly impossible not to fall in love with it. He sounds like a cross between Garret Rapp of The Color Morale and Johnny Craigof Emarosa. One song that really utilises him is 'We Drag the Dead On Leashes', which is one of the poppiest songs the group have ever written. The chorus lead by McGough is all accompanied by a tight, synth-like guitar melody - which seems a little out of place. This is something of an unexpected turn for the album, the song isn't bad, it's just so catchy and poppy compared to the rest of the album that it feels too different. 'L'exquisite douleuris also another new area for the band. It seems far more like a pop-punk track than anything else, despite the screams still being present in the mix. It's got plenty of groove and drive to it, much like 'We Will Never Be The Same' and 'Salute E Vita' did. It's still a decent song but it's an example of how really lacking in impact some of these new songs can be.

 

Similarly, 'Mothers' and 'Natures' are definitely not what you'd normally expect from the band - but in the best way possible! The former is a soft, slow, dynamic, touching and incredibly moving tribute to the lives of the members mothers. It's also a far cry from anything the band has ever done. It's not really poppy, nor pop-punk inspired or even hardcore, but something else entirely. This isn't a bad thing, but it will definitely surprise a fair few listeners for sure. The slower, more ambient moments are more than welcome however. With these final two songs Being As An Ocean seem to have evolved into an entirely new band. The only real way one could pick this out as a signature Being As An Ocean album is by Quarttucio's trademark vocal work.

'How We Both Wondrously Perish' is another solid album from a band that has seemingly gone from strength to strength. The band's use of ambient and atmospheric sampling, emotionally charged vocals, passionate lyrics, and expertly crafted chords and melodies are all so thought out that they leave many of their peers for dead. Their musicianship is as good as it ever was, and the newer members really step up to the plate for this release. Despite the venturing away from their melodic hardcore roots of their debut, there's still something for everyone on here - regardless of ones faith.

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1. Mediocre Shakespeare

2. Death's Great Black Wing Scrapes the Air

3. L'exquisite douleur

4. How We Both Wondrously Perish

5. The Poets Cry For More

6. We Drag The Dead On Leashes

7. Even The Dead Have Their Tasks

8. Grace, Teach Us What We Lack

9. Mothers

10. Natures