A stirring and textural sonic wonderland, the brand new single "LAST DANCE" from Melbourne Oddworld collective Ocean Grove takes an emotive and compelling turn ahead of the release of their upcoming new album ODDWORLD, due out on November 22 via ODDWORLD Records in Australia and SharpTone Records for the rest of the world.
Watch the video below.
Following on from the nu-metal ferocity of earlier singles "F'LY AWAY" and "MY DISASTER," and the sleek yet propulsive melodics of "RAINDROP," "LAST DANCE" is a raw and riveting anthem, seamlessly balancing the vocal stylings of Dale Tanner and Twiggy Hunter alongside an emphatic performance from drummer and producer Sam Bassal.
"We knew this song was going to be a really important opportunity for storytelling," shares Tanner. "We felt the impact of how powerful the music was before any lyrics were written and this warranted an equally powerful motif. We all sat down in the bunkbeds of the farmhouse we had converted into a home studio, with a setting sun and determination to not leave the room until we had an arrangement of words proportionately epic. 'LAST DANCE' emerged as an apocalyptic symphony of sorts. It grapples with this idea of facing the death moment, whether that be of the planet or a loved one, and how we can be presented with one last opportunity for a loving embrace, and a conscious presence in that confronting reality. It's the anthem for any listener to find solace and deeper meaning in the inevitable impermanence of everything."
A collection of songs that captures the band's sonic roots as well as their fierce evolution over the years, ODDWORLD emerges instantly as the definitive Ocean Grove record; one that pays homage to the delectable diversity of 2017's The Rhapsody Tapes while also spanning their entire catalogue and steering into exciting uncharted territory. Produced by Ocean Grove's own Sam Bassal along with creative and performance contributions from studio members Luke Holmes and Running Touch, ODDWORLD is exactly as its title suggests: beautifully chaotic, sonically kaleidoscopic and wholeheartedly one-of-a-kind.
Ocean Grove are the enigma of the heavy music landscape, blending elements of nu metal, hardcore and alternative rock to create a sound that is uniquely their own i.e. Oddworld Music. An eclectic trio of misfits spawning from Melbourne, Australia, Ocean Grove recently announced their signing to SharpTone Records and the launch of their own label, and have risen to prominence in recent years with their dynamic and genre-defying approach to music. Wearing their DIY work ethic on their sleeve, the band have self-produced every release to date, including the upcoming 2024 studio album ODDWORLD.
From their 2017 debut album The Rhapsody Tapes, which debuted at #5 on the ARIA charts, through to their sophomore 2020 release Flip Phone Fantasy and 2022's Up In The Air Forever, both also landing in the ARIA Charts Top 10, Ocean Grove have cultivated resounding acclaim for their groundbreaking craftsmanship and bold experimentation. And since their inception, the group have captivated audiences with their high-energy performances, visually striking aesthetics and infectious melodies, earning them a devoted legion of followers around the globe. Their unforgettable live show has found them in hot demand with tours alongside Limp Bizkit, August Burns Red, Crossfaith, and Don Broco, and appearances at the likes of Download Festival Australia, Good Things Festival and UNIFY Gathering.
