The Wombats’ 6th studio album ‘Oh! The Ocean’ marks a progression in the band’s sonic and emotional landscape. Released through record label AWAL, the album brings a warm, more sophisticated air to their signature energetic indie-pop style, blending emotional depth with their catchy, upbeat sound. Created in Los Angeles, where lead singer Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy now resides, the album was produced by the impressive John Congleton, who has worked with a vast catalogue of artists, including St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse. Oh! The Ocean eschews the AI-driven production of their previous two records in favour of a more organic approach, capturing the raw energy of human performance.
While instantly recognisable as The Wombats, Oh! The Ocean distinguishes itself through its deeply personal lyrics. Frontman Matthew “Murph” Murphy explores themes of mental health, particularly anxiety and self-reflection, alongside more romantic elements. He has spoken about the album’s focus on “trying to be more present in my own life,” a sentiment that resonates throughout the tracks.
The opener, and lead single, ‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come’ features Murphy’s signature falsetto, wrapping a gentle indie charm around its vulnerable lyrics. “I don’t want to socialise unless I’m getting numb” could potentially be a nod to the struggles involved in his journey to become sober (documented in his 2024 debut solo album under the name ‘Love Fame Tragedy’).
‘Can’t Say No’ continues the introspection, touching on the overwhelming urge to escape one’s mental state: “we’d rather run away than feel at all”—a sentiment that many will recognize from their own struggles with mental health. The track showcases the band’s knack for making emotional turmoil feel undeniably catchy.
‘Blood on the Hospital Floor’ introduces a more intense tone, with murky, atmospheric instrumentation to complement the heavy subject matter. This track, carried by Tord Øverland Knudsen’s up-tempo, heavy bassline and an appealing scream-along chorus makes it a song bound to impress fans on their upcoming UK tour.
Perhaps the album’s standout track is ‘My Head Is Not My Friend,’ which embodies the band’s gift for turning inner turmoil into pop gold. Both catchy and deeply reflective, it encapsulates the tension between wanting to escape one’s thoughts and confronting them head-on. Its infectious hook and bittersweet tone exemplify the band’s ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal.
The penultimate track, ‘Swerve (101)’ may be the song with the biggest influence from John Congleton, as well as the relocation of Murphy and his family to US soil, it’s well put together, having a lovely ebb and flow. The verse feels jagged and solemn, but it builds into a big, powerful and optimistic chorus reminiscent of something by The Polyphonic Spree.
The final track, ‘Lobster’ is more stripped back, but the parting message is hopeful. The bassline and drums marry together beautifully, you can sense the story is coming to an end and there is an optimistic outlook, personified by the repeating lyrics “I think I’m feeling better now”.
While Oh! The Ocean represents a subtle sonic shift from their UK Number 1 album Fix Yourself, Not The World—trading synthetic textures for a more natural sound—it remains firmly within The Wombats’ established sonic territory. This isn’t a radical reinvention, but rather a more reflective and emotionally resonant exploration of their signature style. Oh! The Ocean retains the energy and charm that has defined The Wombats for nearly two decades while adding a layer of vulnerability and authenticity. It’s a strong addition to their discography and solidifies their position as one of the UK’s leading indie bands.
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