#ocean flaws

1) Wasia Project - “Impossible”

“Lost in lands of dreams / of different kingdoms / Worlds unseen / But something's wrong, it's all too perfect.” 

Captivating in all that is led astray while being pulled back to reality, “Impossible” exudes quite the opposite from its title. Easily a daydream away from normalcy while being engrossed with an idealistic other, it expresses a fear of losing touch—unconvinced by a beautiful and prosperous life. Olivia Hardy has a levity to her words and a piercing tone to match, vocals that soar to heights well alluded to (“flying through your clouds of white”). A life that is far from perfect, we’re reminded that challenges are never far from sight and mind. Their blend of bedroom pop and jazz is easy listening; layered and lustrous, the instrumental build in the final third is simply magic. We do what we can to cultivate our wildest desires, but our existence may be reaffirmed in ways beyond our control. 

Wasia Project is Hardy (lead vocals and strings) and Will Gao (backing vocals and keys), with Luca Wade (drums) and Tom Pacitti (bass guitar), and for their new release, Luke Pinell (guitar). The London, UK act’s EP how can I pretend? is out now. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy

2) salt sword - “promise”

“promise” represents a leap of faith; trusting that things will work out in spite of all we can’t control. Its sound is equally complex – a mix of jolting electronics, singer-songwriter vocals and somber piano. I could feel the tension in every crevice. Each crescendo hit more hopeful than the last. “promise” is well-executed bedroom pop, striking a balance between intention and euphoria. Its sandstone textures embody what it means to live fully, breathe deeply, bend light.

“Now it's change we crave / You didn't want to go back to the clothes you wore before.”

salt sword is the project of Port Coquitlam’s Colin Ablitt. His debut EP, boundary break, will be out later this year.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Mauvey - “The King”

"The King” is empowerment and appreciation; by design, Mauvey celebrates self-respect and breaking convention for a greater purpose. Described as “a redistribution of power and respect to everyone, especially the immensely powerful women we have in our world,” the alt pop/hip hop cut is impassioned, polished production and reaffirming wordplay that delivers. It navigates themes of submission, using one’s voice, criticism and resilience – there is value behind every individual and their goals. While I’m not the largest fan of repetition in a single song, “The King” is an exception for how it pushes the definition to be expanded. 

Vibrant and socially conscious, listeners can feel Mauvey’s pulsing spirit, a soul on a mission. His debut album is expected out this fall.  

Written by: Chloe Hoy

4) Ken Waters featuring Victoria Groff - “Shimmy”

Vancouver-based Cote First Nation, Saulteaux producer Ken Waters teamed up with local singer/songwriter Victoria Groff to release his new atmospheric, lo-fi single, “Shimmy.” Showered in rainfall sounds and soft piano, the sultry production creates the perfect foundation for Victoria’s captivating vocals. 

The lyrics are magnetic and filled with desire, reflective of the music’s relaxed electronic ambience. Inspired by Groff’s memories of her exciting, independent post-college travel, the song is as sexy as the picture it paints in the listener’s mind.

“On a rooftop bar in Alajuela / I couldn’t take my eyes off ya / You sat right there, sippin' a beer / Don’t care where you're from / Just glad that you’re here.”

Written by: Phöenix Lazare

5) Ocean Flaws - “Keep It Cool”

Essex-based British band Ocean Flaws just released their new single “Keep It Cool” on April 29th. Honoring their roots by tapping into the sultry voiced, iconic pop-dance sound that David Bowie so beautifully crafted in the 80’s, the song is light-hearted and upbeat.

“I was sitting back thinking about the reason why now and then / I'm treated like a fool, and you're effortlessly cool.”

Lyrically comical, the song follows the concept of that special someone who is way too sophisticated, cool, calm and collected to be standing next to you. Haven’t we all felt this way at some point in our lives? Complemented by the fun groove and explorative production with shoegaze-inspired elements, “Keep It Cool” is an earworm that is worthy of being stuck in your head.

Written by: Phöenix Lazare

6) Weddings - “Hunter”

A dooming but expansive sound is found in “Hunter,” the first single from the band’s forthcoming fall album Book of Spells (StoneFree Records). Written at the start of the first pandemic lockdown in 2020, it delves into losing track of time and feeling unsafe in one’s own home. The stoner/psych rock trio based in Vienna has always been gripping and compelling in a genre that requires raw power amidst a hazy ambiance. Their latest sports a sinister undertone—a pursuit for comfort (“a safe place”) while being hunted by internal doubt and fears, and being able to flip the control switch. “Hunter” simultaneously lives in states of paranoia and defiance, a reckless but impressive line to play.

I love their realism—style that is thoughtful and a tad bitter, but immersed in lucrative synths and a driving beat that unfolds a dream world. It’s speculation and ruin in a sound that softens the edge; like sanding down the emotional grit that you’d best not think of (often). Ocean Flaws knows how to hit the psychedelic sweet spot. “Karmageddon” is as high-octane as you’d like it, imploring you to open your eyes, think out loud, and dance while you’re at it – because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

The perpetual fear of standing still or moving too fast—a comfort that always seems just out of reach. It’s a cascading effect that infiltrates the mind; our everyday actions follow suit. “Touching Down” serves as a stark reminder of the world we are living in – and the grappling of speed to suit our needs.

Fortunately, the band’s sound is too sentimental to be a real downer, lessening the load and instead offering a empathetic shoulder to lean on.

Kicking things off with a whimsical keyboard riff, “Beach Heads” has a fittingly relaxed sound – immersive in its production, and playful in funk-laden staccato through the bridge. The EP’s namesake, an interlude, is the most sonically diverse of the group, while “Heartshake” highlights Quirk’s intoxicating timbre. Keeping with themes of conflict and adventure (“Being alive is the feeling you chase in the night”), its lingering guitars and modern rock energy indicate an act that refuses to be pigeonholed by a single genre.

The album closes with “The Greatest Show on Earth,” psychedelia leaving its mark amongst the vibrant instrumental breakdowns.

Cosmic Tropics - EP by Ocean Flaws

Cosmic Tropics is a slow-burning culmination of new cities and nuanced melodies. Travel bug or not, it should at the very least encourage you to take in the afterglow—and reflect on the words we mean.

Ocean Flaws is Callum Quirk, Hamish Monk, Sean Heaney, and Alex Pattle. 

The track explores the flaws hidden behind time, what to do with it, and who to spend it with (“Desolate feeling, fixed on the ceiling, braving the pathway without”). Beyond the uncertainty, it has an aspect of adventure that is mysterious, yet inviting. Ocean Flaws is Quirk, Monk, guitarist Sean Heaney, and percussionist Alex Pattle.