Album review by Jonah Taylor
The Wombats return with their sixth studio album, Oh! The Ocean, set to release on Valentine’s Day (14th February). This latest record dives deep into the struggles of social anxiety, self-esteem issues, and the complexities of life in Los Angeles, where lead vocalist Matthew “Murph” Murphy resides. With its introspective themes and musical evolution, the album feels like both a natural progression and an exciting reinvention for the indie rock veterans.
From the first listen, it’s clear that Oh! The Ocean stands apart from Fix Yourself, Not the World (2022) and Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life (2018). While still unmistakably The Wombats, the band leans into elements of tech rock and sci-fi pop influences, at times channeling tones of MGMT, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and COIN. It’s a bold shift, but one that certainly pays off.
Lyrically, Oh! The Ocean is deeply self-reflective. The lead single, ‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come’, unpacks themes of isolation and social anxiety. Meanwhile, “My Head Is Not My Friend” offers an honest look at mental health struggles, pairing introspective lyrics with dynamic indie-rock sounds.
One of the standout moments on the record comes with ‘The World’s Not Out to Get Me, I Am’, a track that embodies everything great about The Wombats— fuzzy distorted bass riffs, an overdriven guitar solo, and an undeniably catchy vocal hook. It’s an anthem of self-awareness and self-destruction, delivered with infectious energy.
Another highlight is ‘Swerve’, the second-to-last track on the record. Built on hard-hitting drums, haunting chords, and a soaring, anthemic chorus, it delivers a melancholic gut-punch. The lyric “Everything I enjoy becomes an obsession until I’m destroyed” is a devastatingly beautiful stand out moment, capturing the album’s core themes in one crushing line.
The closing track “Lobster” provides Oh! The Ocean a moment of dreamy escapism. With sun-drenched melodies and a laid-back, tropical feel, it has vibes of sitting on a beach with a Mai Tai in hand while the weight of the world momentarily drifts away. ‘Lobster’ comes off like a sincere melancholic blend of Weezer’s ‘Island In The Sun” and the background music in Spongebob Squarepants. It’s a fitting closer that leaves the listener floating somewhere between reflection and release.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Oh! The Ocean never drowns in its own darkness. The upbeat melodies and energetic arrangements contrast with the personal lyrics, creating a balance that feels both cathartic and uplifting. Instead of leaving the listener exhausted by its themes, it offers a sense of appreciation for life, even with all its struggles.
The Wombats’ sixth album marks a significant step forward for the band, ushering in a new era with an adventurous yet refined sound. If this is the direction The Wombats are heading, then Oh! The Ocean is proof that the journey is well worth following.
Oh! The Ocean is out everywhere on February 14.
