Live Review

We Are The Ocean – Carling Academy 2, Newcastle

• 11th Jul 2008

Screamo supremos We Are The Ocean look destined to scale the greatest of heights, but at Newcastle’s Carling Academy 2 frontman Dan Brown already reached the top, the top of the lighting rig that is. As the riotous show was coming to a close, up clambered the eternally energetic Brown, he mastered his way up the less than sturdy lighting frame before spiderman-esque balance helped negotiate himself on top of the side Bar. With more camera phones out than for a ‘happy slapping,’ Brown towered above his adoring rabble, giving them one hell of a night to remember.

But what came before such a stunt, could steal many a show anyway. A band on the verge of something big, as the sold out signs clearly suggest, We Are The Ocean transform into a much greater, more impressive beast live. Alexisonfire comparisons are impossible to ignore but this is a huge compliment as the faultless combination of stellar vocals from guitarist Liam Cromby sliced open by the tonsil-tearing roars of Dan Brown works brilliantly.

A bulging crowd were ignited into life as soon as they heard the skull-smashing screams and furious riffs of ‘Save Me Said The Saviour’. A circle pit quickly ensued, while bodies flew around, sweat dripped from Brown as he bounded around the stage never staying in the same spot for more than a second. The onslaught was relentless with the storming ‘Nothing Good Has Happened Yet’ mixed in with a new track from their imminent E.P. release the post-hardcore quartet delivered an enthralling performance coated in self-belief and boundless effort. Set highlight ‘Ready For The Fall’ was deafeningly chanted back evoking shit-eating grins from the Londoners.

We Are The Ocean have the songs, desire and stunning live displays which should soon enable Brown’s escapades to be played out on a greater stage, or on top of a bar if he so wishes.

(Picture by James Ellis)