Julie Ocean: Long Gone And Nearly There

Julie Ocean
Long Gone and Nearly There
Transit Of Venus
2008-05-27

Tight, sugary and saturated with bubbly pop. Think Fountains Of Wayne, Sloan or Velvet Crush and a song such as “Ten Lonely Words” becomes crystal clear in a delightfully brisk two minutes. The co-vocalists and guitarists Jim Spellman and Terry Banks have great harmonies that bring to mind The Hollies or Dave Clark Five on the bouncy, chipper “#1 Song” and the equally tight, catchy “My Revenge”. Meanwhile, things slow down slightly with the infectious “At the Appointed Hour” with more classic Brit-pop flavoring. This band sounds like they would be perfect if paired up with Bishop Allen on tour or Weezer’s support act judging by how well the lengthy, slow burner “Here Comes Danny” comes off. Another little nugget and perhaps the album’s sleeper pick is the somewhat roots-y “Complications”. And if there was any doubts about the band’s chops, they keep the momentum going with another Kinks-meets-Elvis Costello jewel entitled “There’s a Place (In the Back of My Mind)”. Oddly enough, this is the type of band who will hopefully stay in the back of one’s mind for a long time.

RATING 7 / 10