New EP: Oceans - 'Live at Dangertone Studios'

Melbourne shoegaze artist Oceans introduces six-piece band with new EP Live at Dangertone Studios + upcoming shows

Melbourne singer songwriter and producer Thomas Lee returns with his shoegaze outfit Oceans on their new EP Live at Dangertone Studios out today, featuring a haunting cover of The Go-Betweens’ classic ‘Bachelor Kisses’. It’s the first we’ve heard from Tom’s creative moniker since making his Oceans debut last year on the captivating EP Come So Far. This new live recording presents an exciting development for the young artist as he shifts from eager solo endeavour to a fully fledged six-piece live act in a glorious coming-of-age transition. To celebrate the band’s newfangled arrangement, Oceans is excited to announce a string of live shows just around the corner.

Select tracks from Oceans’ debut release have been given a raw and stripped back performance on Live at Dangertone Studios, creating a whole new sound of baroque pop meets gauzy rock. Title track ‘Come So Far’, follow up single ‘Break My Fall’ and live favourite ‘Back To The Start’ have each been given the extended live treatment with Tom leading guitar and vocals, Mayzie Lee on acoustic and backing vocals, further amplification from fellow guitarist Dwayne Pearce and bassist Joshua Strange, plus Anthony Knoepfle on synths and keys, and Michael Fox on the drums.

Showcasing their ineffable live chemistry as a band, their reinterpretation of The Go-Betweens post-punk classic is an enthralling testament to the calibre of musicians Lee has wrangled for the next era of Oceans. Whilst previous studio releases consisted of front man Tom playing the majority of instruments in the studio and harmonising with his own voice, the new expanded lineup allows for a deeper interpretation of light and shade. ‘Bachelor Kisses’ is a perfect example of this. Filmed and mixed by long time collaborators Liam Fitzgibbon and Aden Senycia, respectively, the live video offers a shimmering glimpse into the dreamy atmospherics that are to be expected at Oceans’ upcoming live performances.

“Oceans started as a band roughly two years ago before the start of the pandemic. In that time while we were finding our sound we played a number of covers to get accustomed to playing as a group. Bachelor Kisses by the Go Betweens was suggested by our guitarist Dwayne, who shares a hometown connection with the indie rock group, and it immediately felt like a song that combined our best attributes as a band.” – Tom Lee, Oceans

Oceans Upcoming Shows
Thursday 10 March
Retreat Hotel (supporting Maggie Slater)
Tickets via Eventbrite

Saturday 19 March
Fitz Ritz Charity Show (KOMANG + ALLYSHA JOY + IZY + OCEANS + CLAPS)

Thursday 28 April
The Tote Hotel (with Shock Friendly & Charlie Cause)
Tickets via Oztix