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Oceansize have always had an interesting sound, but they haven't always provided consistent albums. Released in 2007, Frames turned out to be enjoyably consistent, and Oceansize aren't any less consistent on 2010's Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up. True to form, these Manchester, England residents come up with plenty of intriguing song titles; the titles on this 51-minute CD include "It's My Tail, and I'll Chase It If I Want To," "Part Cardiac," "Superimposer" (not to be confused with a different track on the album called "Superimposter"), "Build Us a Rocket Then.," and "A Penny's Weight." But even more intriguing than the song titles is Oceansize's sound, which combines alternative pop/rock (including shoegazer music) with everything from Brit-pop to progressive rock, space rock, and art rock. There is even the occasional alternative metal influence on this release, which gets off to a metallic and aggressive start with "Part Cardiac." Oceansize also rock aggressively on "It's My Tail, and I"ll Chase It If I Want To," but for the most part, this is an atmospheric and moody album that would rather float than rock. And floating is exactly what Oceansize do on "Ransoms," "Oscar Acceptance Speech," "Silent/Transparent," and "Pine" (all of which have a lot of shoegazer appeal). But Oceansize don't float aimlessly; Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up never sounds unfocused, and this album thrives on songcraft as well as well as experimentation and intrigue. Longtime Oceansize fans will be glad to add this disc to their collections, but for those who have never obtained an Oceansize album, either Frames or Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up would be a memorable introduction to the band. ~ Alex Henderson
