In this day and age when music
shelves are stacked full of rap and R&B albums it is always nice to
run across a great pop disc. However, you do have to dig a little
deeper. In this instance we turn to the World Wide Web. I found a slew
of amazing rock/pop bands that have never graced the American air
waves, decidedly one of the hardest markets out there to please. The
top two that caught my eye were Darren Hayes’ “The Tension and The
Spark” and Ocianic’s “U”. Both albums ironically are by talented
musicians that herald from Australia but are USA residents now.
The Tension and The Spark is
Hayes’ second solo album after the breakup of his first,
internationally famous, band Savage Garden. Upon doing a little
research, I discovered that this album was different from his usual
style, but in a good way! The pop-esque sound had faded and was
replaced with a more jaded raw edge. He teamed up with Robert Conley
from Specificus (an underground band) and it was truly, in my opinion,
a blessed union. I loved the sounds and the lyrics had that eloquent
way of the few that really speak to you. Some of the songs broke away
with racy concepts and one in particular; “Unlovable” is a slap in the
face. It’ll really catch your attention with tragic lyrics such as “Am
I unlovable? Am I unlookable?”… All in all from track 1 to track 13
this album draws you in, takes you on a journey, and pushes you out the
other side to reevaluate the way you live your life, the way you relate
to others. It is extremely worth it to go to www.darrenhayes.com and check out this magnificent work of underrated musical art!
The other disc I ran across
while prowling the net was an album simply titled “U”. The band,
Ocianic, is LA based and has what I’ll call a soft rock sound. The band
is comprised of Aaron Hendra, Ben Carey, and Russ Hendra.All
Australian born and bred, but they’ve graced our shores while writing
this album. With heartfelt lyrics of love and angst this is duality at
its best. My now favourite track “Fire” is a gritty number about the
reality of fame (at least as my interpretation sees it) but they still
have their softer side. Songs like “Always Amazing” & “The Feeling”
make you wish your older brother’s were Aaron & Ben! They have won
me over as a fan. They certainly know how to write a breathtaking
album! They’re independently released and according to their website,
this is their life long dream come to fruition. Aaron, lead singer, I
learned is planning a solo project that, after giving a listen to the
first round of songs he’s written, will surely be a stunner. I’m all
excited. Thank God for the Google feature! Ben Carey, lead guitar, is
currently touring with the band Lifehouse. I can’t wait to see if he
does something solo as well.Check out their first album at www.ocianic.com!
For now they remain in my
bookmarks, new music added to my library, and I’m offering them as
suggestions to add to yours. Till next time, I’ll be keeping my spot
light on the underground. Let’s see who gets discovered!
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enza says on 2006-04-16 13:42:22 about darren hayes
i] follow darren since 1998. He's amazing the best make voice and the tension and the spark is original , ..simply the best.
Lainey_Carey says on 2006-04-09 14:27:58 about whooo
way to go BK!!! (thats Alica's nickname on the ocianic forums) I know i have read this before but i still love it! a great way to promote Darren & Aaron!
c'ya on the boards
Lainey x
Eve says on 2006-04-08 07:38:22 about Ben Carey
Not mentioned in the article: Ben Carey, who is a member of Ocianic, used to be the guitarist of Savage Garden (the band that consisted out of Darren Hayes and Daniel jones, as we all know). I think it's a nice link between the two CD's Alicia Morrison has reviewed. (and a great review, i must add!)
LadySavage says on 2006-04-04 12:57:19 about Darren
FINALLY! Someone discovers 'The tension and the spark'!!!!!!!! I got this the day it came out. It charted at 12. The next week it was at 80!!!! Such is the life of an english girl!!!!!!!!! It's lyrically fantastic, Void really stood out as a change from the normal Darren format. I know someone already said this, but Ben Carey used to be the bass in the Savage garden tournig band! He's on the Superstars and Cannonballs DVD, and I actually saw a Savage garden plectrum on ebay the other day which was signed by Ben! Anyways, that's enough from me. Love from an HUGE Darren fan! x
SusieQ says on 2006-03-31 04:02:08 about Daren Hayes
Great review! My brother had bought me the cd as a Christmas present. It is a wonderful cd. We need more music like this. This cd touches the heart and soul with its music and lyrics.
Sue says on 2006-03-31 01:16:20 about Darren Hayes
Great Review! The Tension and the Spark is an absolutely brilliant album. I love it, and I know that no matter how many times I listen to it, I will never tire of it. I'm so glad you discovered it and love it.
Kateo says on 2006-03-30 23:05:15 about Darren Hayes & Ocianic
Great you found these 2 albums, I have them both and I agree they are wonderful. In fact I discovered Ocianic because of Darren Hayes, as Ben Carey used to play in the Savage Garden touring band. All wonderful talents from downunder.
Aussiefan says on 2006-03-30 21:36:04 about Darren Hayes
Great read! Glad you have finally experienced The Tension And The Spark. It is an incredible journey that I am always pleased to take!
Sharnell says on 2006-03-30 21:33:02 about Awesome read...
Love the article :) :) Well said!
Darrenstoes says on 2006-03-30 20:44:23 about Darren hayes
Thanks for the review of the Tension and the Spark. As you say, its underrated! its such a technically brilliant album, and Robert conley's electronica only serves to accentuate the subject matter of the album. Darren is touring in the UK shortly - hes even better live! if you can catch him, DO!!!!! peace! Cheryl X
Marilyn says on 2006-03-30 20:38:40 about Darren Hayes
Geart Read! I'm happy you found this CD.. I think it is one of the best albums I've ever experienced..because that is what this album is-it's not just music..it's a life - experienced-
Dawny says on 2006-03-30 20:28:06 about Darren Hayes
Great article! The Tension and The Spark was a brilliant album Alicia. Glad you finally found it. He has a new song out now called "So Beautiful". You might want to check with your local radio station and see if they have it! I have a site at darrensplace.net. Take care, Dawn
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