EP Review: Oceanica – Try Not To Dwell On It (Prog On! Recordings)

Oceanica, the solo project of UK-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Benedict Harris-Hayes, returns with ‘Try Not to Dwell on It’, a 21-minute single-track EP. Written as a tribute to a close friend and collaborator who passed away. It is out on July 1st, 2025, via Prog On! Recordings.

As grand as the music of Oceanica has been in the past, there’s not been anything quite like this from Ben, and certainly nothing as personal. Ben shares vocal duties with a female vocalist referred to as ‘The Lady’, who passed away partway into the recording process of this record, and to pay tribute to his dear friend, he set out to finish it.

So, here we are, and the emotional weight behind the track is evident from the start, yet, across its entire 21-minute length, that emotion comes from varied places, and not always ones that are sad. This is a showcase of love and appreciation, as much as it is to express sorrow for a loss, and that allows Oceanica to experiment in very dynamic ways. It is, after all, a progressive record, showcasing an evolved Oceanica, and there’s a lot to take in here.

It can be startlingly heavy, dramatically atmospheric, gorgeously melodic, while also having deeply challenging touches. However, these challenges are easy to overcome, thanks to the way the track flows and how the different sections seamlessly mesh. This is an inspired Oceanica, and a powerful reminder that out of such negative moments, positive things can be born.

It is such a personal piece that it isn’t always the easiest to connect to, except everyone has or will suffer loss at some point in their life. We can all only dream of being able to pay tribute to a loved one in the way that Oceanica does here. It is a very special track.

Oceanica – Try Not to Dwell on It Track Listing:

1. Try Not to Dwell on It

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