EP Review: Ocean Districts – Doomtowns (Self Released)

Reclining on the shores of the Baltic Sea we find the beautiful capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Hometown to four-piece instrumental act Ocean Districts (Martin Lepalaan – Guitars, Taavi Liinak – Guitars, Tanel Kõnd – Bass, Stanley Love – Drums). Ocean Districts deliver a heavy, progressive and sludgy post-rock sound.

Where their debut album was mainly inspired by exploring nature and epic voyages, Ocean Districts now look elsewhere for inspiration for their new EP. Doomtowns considers the nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War-era, taking a more solemn and political approach.

It’s not easy for a band to sell their inspirations without lyrics but credit to Ocean Districts, they do a decent job of making Doomtowns an EP that feels like a warning. Five tracks of dark post-rock with elements of sludge that makes it an uncomfortable listen. The methodical beat of guitars and drums pick up in chugginess as Doom Town gets under way. Mixing heavy riffs with a lighter rhythm, it’s a strong start especially when the post-rock side of things really step forward sounding like a warning horn.

The Trinity Gadget then shows off real taste and style with a faster blend of melody and clean rhythm that really hits the spot.

Already cementing themselves as post-rock act to be watched closely with the first two tracks, Ocean Districts turn it up a notch with the stunning Survival City. A simple drum beat and whining guitar melody begins things impressively but as the track evolves it starts to really resonate on a deeper level. A wonderfully touching piece of music.

This exceptional release is wrapped up with two more tracks that act as the icing on the cake that is Doomtowns. Funeral Parade and Castle Bravo are at differing ends of Ocean Districts sound but both equally as good. The former really leans on a sombre style with enjoyably harder drumming while the latter is light as air with sunny-sounding melody that drips emotion.

Ocean Districts – Doomtowns Full Track Listing:

1. Doom Town
2. The Trinity Gadget
3. Survival City
4. Funeral Parade
5. Castle Bravo

You can pick up the EP now over on Bandcamp as well as stream on Spotify and iTunes. Find out more by checking out Ocean Districts’ Facebook, Instagram and listen on Soundcloud and YouTube.