Published by Mason Oldridge, 10 February 2025
The Wombats will be hoping for another number one with their sixth album Oh! The Ocean.
The record opens on silky sounding lead single Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, though Can’t Say No is the strongest of the singles on offer. Gut Punch is joined by 80s-style keys and its joyfully rapid chorus makes for a seriously catchy tune, while My Head Is Not My Friend tackles the difficult topic of mental health, which the trio have previously touched upon with their 2011 track Anti-D. Reality Is A Wild Ride evokes the hip hop sounds of A Tribe Called Quest, Swerve (101) is built around a sinister riff whereas Grim Reaper and Lobster are dreamy. However, Kate Moss is easily the standout thanks to its epic electronic distortion and its Moby-esque piano.
Several tracks are disappointingly more mellowed and less emotionally-charged than what we’re used to hearing from the rockers but the quality still remains stable.
The boys might not reach the same level of emotion as much as on some of their previous releases, but with their trademark sound still present and some unpredictability too, Oh! The Ocean is a decent next instalment.
7/10