Ocean Alley: Live at Music Box

Students react to the group’s eclectic sound

Austin Smith / Contributor / The USD Vista

Sydney psych-reggae-cruise rockers Ocean Alley performed at Music Box this past week, leaving many stunned. First, they gained momentum in Australia, having won Aussie public radio station Triple J’s Hot 100 in 2018 with their hit song “Confidence.” Now in Australia’s music pantheon with the likes of Powderfinger and Australian Crawl, many are eager to see where they go next.

USD senior Sofia Pantis personally went to Ocean Alley’s concert.

“From a strong start to an even stronger finish, this band sure knows how to move a crowd. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd that night,” said Pantis.

USD senior Jake Wenzel attended and enjoyed the recent concert as well. 

“I can’t believe I saw them that night,” Wenzel said. “I have been waiting six years for this moment, and they did not even begin to disappoint.”

Many were captivated by Ocean Alley’s recent performance. Photo courtesy of Austin Smith

Ocean Alley released their new album Friday, Oct. 14, sporting a more sanguine sound than previous records. The album, titled “Low Altitude Living,” is light and positive, yet slow, contemplative and, for many, a  juxtaposition to their last album, “Lonely Diamond.” 

While “Low Altitude Living” shares the melodious DNA of their predecessor, “Lonely Diamond” is more pensive and somber. The former, “Lonely Diamond,” both recorded and released a version of it live in the studio. It must be a combination of their unflinching groove, the sound engineer’s sheer talent, and their recent release, but Ocean Alley appears to be gaining traction. 

USD Junior Grace Moore was surprised at their lack of recognition. 

“It is astounding they have not blown up yet, at least in this country,” Moore said.

Their sound is a combination of pop, reggae, and dissociative rock, that many can’t help but habitually listen to, sing and enjoy their unique sound. Coming out of a burgeoning Aussie music scene, Ocean Alley somehow found themselves as a standout. It is an amalgamation of Floyd-esque guitar licks, funk bass lines and lead singer Baden Donegal’s unique voice,that binds this eclectic, yet cohesive, sound together.

Suggested tracks:

“Tombstone,” Lonely Diamond Live in Studio

“Knees,” Chiaroscuro

“Touch Back Down,” Low Altitude Living

Austin Smith is the Marketing Director for USD Radio. 

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