The Ocean - Holocene (2023) 🎧🎸 MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW

It seems to me that before proceeding with the review of the proposed release, a few words should be said about the previous works of The Ocean (also The Ocean Collective). After all, all their work is to some extent interconnected and is a continuation of its predecessor.

Soo... Back in 2007's album "Precambrian", The Ocean Collective set the concept for their work for many yearrs. And they will develop it over and over, until 2023 ... and maybe longer.

On the mentioned release, released sixteen years ago, the German group began to explore the geological eras, the story of which culminated in the seventh volume, called "Holocene". It is this studio work that completes the thought and idea of the musicians, smoothly transferring the listener from the beginning of the creation of all life on our planet to the present.

The album listens smoothly and easily. Previously released records demanded a more thoughtful approach to the study of the material, and even a certain mood. I think this is why the band doesn't have many fans. Of course, many people know The Ocean both in their native Germany and outside the country, however, it's like ... listening to, for example, TOOL: the message of the songwriters is not always clear.

When listening to the album, the softening of the musical and vocal components is primarily felt. The melodic role is increasingly given to synthesizers, the vocals have become simpler and there are no tense, explosive raucous parts in the tracks. I wouldn't say it's too bad, no. This is rather unusual for me, as a person who knows the material of The Ocean.

"Holocene" moved much more into a progressive genre component, and to a greater extent - in general, into ambient, which is clearly not to the liking of many listeners. I mean, it is precisely this raw and undisguised aggressiveness, emotionality and volume of the material from the musical side. But I think, that "Holocene" is a great ending of The Ocean's "History of the World's Evolution".