Psych rockers Ocean Alley have dropped their third studio album, titled 'Lonely Diamond'.
The follow-up to their 2018 record 'Chiaroscuro', the masters of groove have enjoyed a stellar 18 months with 'Confidence' winning 2018's Hottest 100, while they had 30 sold-out shows globally in 2019 and a slew of international festival appearances in between.That said, the band admit their recent highs have generated more attention and added expectations to continue their upward trajectory.
"The pressure was immense for the band, but also for each of us individually. We had never been so exposed to critique like that before and it's not something we ever expected to experience when we started doing this.
"At times we all felt a bit out of control, but it was important for us to go through it together so we can back each other up."
The band have released a 12-track album visualiser to accompany the release of 'Lonely Diamond'.
"We had a pretty hectic touring schedule and spent a lot of time travelling which made us feel isolated at times," the band continues. "That constant pressure to perform whilst also managing things back home took a toll differently on us all.
"For us, music is a way to escape those feelings and doing it together has really reinforced how important it is to lean on each other when we have to.
"Music is our way of unwinding and helps remind ourselves to have fun and enjoy life. Music has a special way of doing that."
Ocean Alley, who are long-time supporters of community groups that advocate the importance of mental health, are active in breaking down barriers and stigma associated with the well-being of others.
"Mental health can be a touchy subject but it shouldn't be. Because we are very open with each other, that helps dissolve strong feelings and allows us to move forward together.
"The first step in breaking down barriers with other people is breaking down those barriers within yourself and realising that no one is perfect and everyone has bad days.
"When you can love and support yourself, then you are in the perfect position to care for and support others."
Ocean Alley 2021 Tour Dates
Sat 6 Feb - Hordern Pavilion (Sydney)* SOLD OUTSun 7 Feb - Hordern Pavilion (Sydney)
Fri 12 Feb - Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)* SOLD OUT
Sat 13 Feb - Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)
Fri 5 Mar - Fremantle Arts Centre
Fri 12 Mar - Thebarton Theatre (Adelaide)
Wed 24 Mar - Melbourne Arena
For tickets, click here.
Lonely Diamond track listing
1. Dahlia2. Tombstone
3. Way Down
4. Infinity
5. Up In There
6. All Worn Out
7. Stained Glass
8. Lonely Diamond
9. Wet Dreams
10. Hot Chicken
11. Puesta de Sol
12. Luna
