Album Review: II Songs by Blame It On The Ocean
Blame It On The Ocean’s 2011 release, II Songs, is a raw and relentless ride through the grittier edges of rock. Hailing from Germany, this band dives headfirst into hardcore and post-punk vibes, creating an album that feels like it was forged in the bowels of some dimly lit underground club. Released under Mustard Mustache Records, the record doesn’t try to polish its rough edges—and honestly, that’s what makes it stick.
The lineup here is tight: Michael Simeon’s lead vocals cut through like a serrated blade, while Marco Giannini and Massimo Capobianco trade guitar riffs with unapologetic ferocity. Stefano Razza on drums and Marco Guglielmelli on bass lock in grooves so heavy they could anchor a ship. Riccardo Pasini deserves a shoutout too—not just for recording but also mixing and mastering the whole thing, giving it that cohesive punch.
Now let’s talk tracks. “Empathy” kicks things off with a wall of sound that grabs you by the throat. The track builds tension with chugging guitars before exploding into a chaotic crescendo. It’s one of those songs where you can almost feel the sweat dripping off the stage. What sticks with me? The way Simeon’s vocals teeter between desperation and defiance—it’s messy, emotional, and impossible to ignore.
Then there’s “Fall Depression,” which hits different. This one leans more into the post-punk side of their style, with angular guitar work and a rhythm section that just won’t quit. There’s something hypnotic about how the song shifts gears halfway through, throwing you off balance before dragging you back in. It lingers in your head long after the last chord fades, kinda like that awkward moment when you realize you’ve been staring at the same spot on the wall for five minutes.
What I dig most about II Songs is its refusal to play it safe. These guys aren’t chasing trends; they’re carving out their own space in the rock scene. Sure, it’s not perfect—the production has a DIY edge that might turn off fans of slicker sounds—but that’s part of its charm. Listening to this album feels like eavesdropping on a secret conversation between musicians who just get each other.
Here’s the kicker, though: as much as this album screams hardcore energy, it also leaves room for introspection. Maybe it’s the German precision mixed with Italian passion (yep, look at those names), but II Songs manages to balance chaos with thoughtfulness in a way that sneaks up on you. And hey, isn’t that what great music’s supposed to do?
Final verdict: If you’re into bands that wear their hearts on their sleeves while smashing guitars over their knees, give II Songs a spin. Just don’t blame us if your neighbors start complaining.
