Oceans4 – Emergence (Album Review)

Oceans4 is the long running project of Andrew Crook, first formed in 2010. After the debut album Dark Horse arrived in 2013, featuring mastering work at Abbey Road Studios with Frank Arkwright, Crook followed up in 2014 with Emergence, the album reviewed here. While Oceans4 has since moved into soundtrack and ambient territory, Emergence captures a moment where electronic rock, nostalgia, and cinematic ambition meet.

The album opens with Walk in a Bar, which immediately sets a futuristic tone. Electronic textures and sound effects create an almost sci-fi atmosphere before a tense bassline enters, evoking the feeling of a chase scene in a film. The vocals are eerie and clearly inspired by 1980s new wave, with shades of Duran Duran, though they are quite wispy and could benefit from greater clarity. While the production and mixing leave some room for improvement, the track still works well in establishing mood and intent.

Love Song for Now continues the electronic approach with another synth-driven introduction. The song briefly shifts into a more 2000s-sounding beat as the drums intensify, before settling back into the familiar 80s sci-fi aesthetic. The vocals remain soft and dreamlike, giving the track an almost floating quality. There is a strong danceable core here that would shine even more with a tighter production.

With Destiny, the album finds a slightly different groove. Still electronic, the track leans into a funkier sound with a heavier bass presence. The 80s influence remains strong, again recalling Duran Duran, but the vocals are noticeably clearer and better balanced. The production and mixing are stronger here, particularly in how the vocals sit within the track, making this one of the more polished moments on the album.

Falls begins with cricket sounds and a low droning texture that gradually builds into something surprisingly rhythmic. Though largely constructed from sound effects, these elements come together to form a beat that invites movement. As the track progresses, it becomes more ominous when the beat shifts and layered, slightly distorted spoken vocals enter. The eerie atmosphere is effective, though the repetition may test some listeners’ patience.

Autumnal Thoughts marks a tonal shift toward something calmer and more reflective. A gentle piano line anchors the song, which focuses on missing summer and longing for its return. The vocals are more pleasing and emotionally present here, and the production and mixing are noticeably improved. The sad, reflective mood mirrors the changing seasons and feels sincere and well executed.

Old River stands out immediately, opening with guitar and embracing a warmer, more organic sound. There is a strong sense of melancholy and nostalgia, supported by well-played instruments and clear, well-mixed vocals. The song carries a 1970s folk influence reminiscent of artists like Neil Young, and it feels deeply personal. This is easily the strongest track on the album and the emotional centrepiece of Emergence.

The album closes with “Only for Lonely,” which begins with a steady drumbeat that runs throughout the song. The mood remains sad, aligning closely with the title, and while there is still a slight electronic edge, it feels far removed from the album’s opening tracks. The production and mixing are solid, and the lyrics provide a subdued, fitting conclusion.

Overall, Emergence is an album rooted in atmosphere and nostalgia, drawing heavily from 80s electronic rock while occasionally branching into folk and ambient ideas. While some tracks suffer from uneven production, the songwriting and mood are consistently engaging. At its best, particularly on Old River and Autumnal Thoughts, the album shows Andrew Crook’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music that lingers well beyond its runtime.

SCORE/Excellent: Emergence is an album rooted in atmosphere and nostalgia, drawing heavily from 80s electronic rock while occasionally branching into folk and ambient ideas. At its best, particularly on Old River and Autumnal Thoughts, it shows Andrew Crook’s ability to write emotionally resonant songs that linger long after the album ends.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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