This debut album showcases a talented young bunch whose songs are emotive and melodic.
Birmingham based pop rock outfit Octane OK are more than just that. They're a bit of alright.
Settle down, get your mind out of the gutter. This debut album showcases a talented young bunch whose songs are full of emotive and melodic vocals with a definite punch in the guitar region. In fact it's almost impossible not to get caught up in the simplistic and oh so catchy tunes.
Paul Tandy's voice is an emotive powerhouse, heavy in the American pronunciation, which is not bad in itself but does wear a little thin after repeated listens. But when he gets it right, which he does far more often than not, he's a real talent. He shines through on first single 'Survive' and 'Last Chance', two irresistible, chunky rockers with singalong choruses thanks to their hopeful and empowering lyrics, and the lighters-in-the-air chorus of the bouncing 'Bridges'.
Their energy is infectious; the drums are kept simple to make you want to dance around and the gang vocals are made for a live crowd to fist pump to. The guitars are unmistakably pop but when called upon Tandy (guitarist, too) can also add some punk attitude and rock weight to the riffs.
However, 'Already Know You' is a little too close to the saccharine edge and 'Won't Back Down' sounds like Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump straining his throat.
It's not perfect but as far as young pop rock bands with a taste for hard rock go – and there are an increasing number of them – they can count themselves as one of the few who could take it to the next, bigger level.
Dan Bond
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