Album Review: OCRE – So Often Lifeblood Comes from Ashes (Atypeek Music / Araki Records / Urgence Disk)

OCRE, a French vocal-guitar-drums duo of alternative rock/90s post-hardcore obedience, will release their debut album, ‘So Often Lifeblood Comes from Ashes’ on February 21st by Atypeek Music, Araki Records and Urgence Disk.

An enigmatic debut album that explores fresh territories within the alternative rock world, all by looking to the past, and infusing familiar post-hardcore style into things. There’s a mood to this album, and that deeper and darker tone is heavily present in the noisy Don’t Worry. Except, this is also a track with a catchy, melodic edge too. It’s got more than enough to grab and hold the attention.

It was Nothing arrives next with an even moodier vibe, where flair ups of heavier rock noise has a tinge of grunge to it. Then there is The Three Stages of Stress, a lively body shaker with rivets of eccentric groove and progressive energy, not only imaginative, but accessible. Whereas So Long is a laidback listen with colder emotive post-hardcore melodies. One of the strongest tracks of all.

With a certain amount of infused dissonance, the middle of the album comes and goes via the short melodic instrumental, Take A Look. Which cleverly flows into the foot tapper that is In the Mirror. Where bursts of heavier guitars meets crashing drums, the melody has a goth rock vibe, and the vocals are smooth right up to the chorus, where elevation makes them even more powerful.

Their concise approach certainly helps keep the album appealing, but it’s also fair to say that very few people will be feeling bored when robust head bangers like I.L.Y. come along. Or when OCRE get more elaborate and expressive, such as how they do on the penultimate track, Don’t Count on Them. It continues to be a delight to hear them not only push the boundaries of alternative rock, but push their own boundaries too. Which does mean the ending of So Often comes with hefty expectations. Happily, with massive moody melodies and rock power, OCRE deliver a worthy finale.

OCRE – So Often Lifeblood Comes from Ashes Track Listing:

1. Don’t Worry
2. It Was Nothing
3. The Three Stages of Stress
4. So Long
5. Take A Look
6. In the Mirror
7. I.L.Y.
8. Don’t Count on Them
9. So Often

Links

Streaming | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram