WORDS HARRY K
THE WOMBATS
OH! THE OCEAN
RELEASE DATE FEBRUARY 14TH
LABEL AWAL
“An Ambitious Sonic Journey That Balances wit and Emotional Depth”
Three years after topping the UK charts with Fix Yourself, Not The World, The Wombats are back with Oh! The Ocean, a project that perfectly encapsulates the band’s trademark mix of brutally honest storytelling and infectious indie-pop sound. This album pushes the boundaries of their style while offering a collection of emotionally charged tracks that are sure to resonate with their ever-growing fanbase.
The album opens with “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come”, a groove-driven track that immediately sets the tone. Bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen and drummer Dan Haggis lay down a rhythmic foundation that pulses throughout the song, giving frontman Matthew “Murph” Murphy the space to deliver one of the most memorable choruses on the album: “Sorry I’m late, I didn’t wanna come. It’s not that I hate you, I just hate everyone.” It’s the perfect balance of witty lyricism and a killer hook, an honest portrayal of social anxiety that many will find all too relatable.
Following the opener, the pace ramps up with “Can’t Say No” and “Blood on the Hospital Floor”, both of which ooze classic Wombats energy. These tracks feature the kind of driving guitars, frenetic energy, and big choruses that have always been their signature, and they’re tailor-made to get crowds jumping.
Thematically, Oh! The Ocean delves into the complexities of modern life, with Murph reflecting on everything from emotional exhaustion to love and self-worth. The album title is a nod to a personal moment Murph experienced while on a family holiday, which sparked a broader exploration of life’s highs and lows, symbolized by the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
Recorded over six weeks with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Wallows), Oh! The Ocean showcases a more refined and adventurous sound. The Wombats take their familiar indie-pop sensibilities and layer them with atmospheric textures and electronic flourishes. Tracks like Swerve (101) demonstrate this sonic evolution showing the band’s ability to seamlessly blend moments of fragility with musical grandeur, “Reality Is a Wild Ride”, sees The Wombats leaning into a more playful, funky vibe. The energy never dips, as the final tracks showcase the band’s ability to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
The album’s closer, “Lobster”, exudes swagger, with the band coming together to end the album on a high note. It’s a final reminder that The Wombats are at the top of their game, able to combine wit, emotional depth, and pure indie-pop joy into one cohesive listening experience.
Oh! The Ocean is a testament to The Wombats’ continued growth as a band. It’s adventurous yet familiar, playful yet emotionally resonant. By mixing their classic indie-pop sound with new sonic territories, The Wombats have crafted an album that feels both expansive and intimate. The standout choruses, witty lyrics, and energetic rhythms ensure that this record will satisfy long-time fans while bringing in a new generation of listeners. It wouldn’t be surprising if Oh! The Ocean follows its predecessor to the top of the charts, solidifying The Wombats as one of the UK’s most beloved indie bands.
8.5/10
TRACK LISTING
1/ Sorry Im Late, I Didnt Want To Come
2/ Cant Say No
3/ Blood On The Hospital Floor
4/ Kate Moss
5/ Gut Punch
6/ My Head Is Not My Friend
7/ I Love America And She Hates Me
8/ The Worlds Not Out To Get Me, I Am
9/ Grim Reaper
10/ Reality Is A Wild Ride
11/ Swerve (101)
12/ Lobster
The Wombats – UK Tour Dates:
18 March – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
19 March – London The O2
21 March – Cardiff Utilita Arena
22 March – Manchester AO Arena
25 March – Glasgow OVO Hydro
26 March – Leeds First Direct Arena
FOLLOW THE WOMBATS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
