Ocean Colour Scene
North Atlantic Drift
(Sanctuary)
It's a testament to Ocean Colour Scene's song-writing and playing abilities that the mod revival rock band from Birmingham, who scored accolades galore for their eponymous debut album in 1992, now release their 10th disc.
The album's title refers to the fact that the band upped sticks for the US where they have achieved a certain success and have toured on occasion - notably as opening act for The Who, heroes of the foursome who, along with The Kinks, have always influenced their sound.
While Nashville guitars are used on this album, no doubt to round off the American recording experience, the band retains its signature sound: thumping drums, mod guitar chords and plenty of vocal harmonies. Tinges of the band's abovementioned 1960s idols aside, OCS has developed a confident and relaxed sound, best exemplified in On My Way, which slips easily from catchy guitar riff to horn, while lead singer Simon Fowler's vocals tell of a restless life on the road.