French trio Oakman have released their much-anticipated debut album Violent Oblivion via Rude Records. Filled with singalong pop-rock anthems with elements of alt-pop, these tracks should be on everyone’s summer playlist. Inspired by artists such as The 1975, The Japanese House and CHVRCHES among others, Oakman are vocalist/guitarist Marine Lanzillota bassist Geremia Gayaud and drummer Jessie Gayaud – yes, the drummer and bass player are brothers adding an extra dimension to their connective musical abilities. Oakman have release three EPs since forming in Lyon in 2016, with the hope is that this album will allow them to progress – they have certainly been busy in recent times touring with the likes of Enter Shikari and Basement among others.
Violent Oblivion begins with a short instrumental intro I am Floating. Imaging for a moment that you are floating in space on a ball of rock, constantly turning (we all are!) and you will be ready to listen to the rest of the album. Ricochet has an infectious organ opening, very similar to what you would hear in a fairground, but it works and links in really well with Lanzillota’s vocals. Spiral has a catchy chorus that should be well appreciated at the upcoming live shows, with “Take me back to the old days, the old days/So that we could restart over again” reminding us that our time on this ball of rock is not going to last forever! Proper Attitude is one of those high-energy tracks that gives you a spring in your step and is one of the best songs on the album, in fact the following two are also standouts. Missed Connections is classic indie-pop at its best and really heavy on the synth, but it is Lanzillota’s vocals that win on this one with the dreamy lyrics. For us I Wish Myself To Be Happier is the best on Violent Oblivion, it is such an infectious song that would cheer anyone up as the chorus confirms: “Now I’m fed up, just want to be happy/Now I wish myself to be happier!” This could be one of those tracks that you hear a lot over the summer months, just try to stop singing that chorus in your head.
The CHVRCHES influences can be heard all through Curse, while A Letter To Them is a slower, laid back acoustic track dealing with some demons from the pas. Title track Violent Oblivion opens with the lyrics “When I wake up I feel the empty space of violent oblivion no one can see” and proves that Oakman are great lyricists as well as musicians. Air Hunger continues the space themes with dreamy synth – this one should go down well live. Acte Manque (translates at faulty act) is sung in English, but could have been an opportunity for the band to showcase their French vocals which we are sure would have went down well with the fanbase.
As we near the end of Violent Oblivion Love Picture Soundtrack is as near as we will get to a love song, as Marine sings about a crush: “And I know it’s true, when I say to you that I love you”. This 39 minute 51 second journey through space ends with Faraway in Space, Forever which is actually a continuation of the opener I Am Floating and a great end to the album. The last part of the song is filled with thrashing drums and electric guitars pointing towards the end of a journey. And what a journey it was too, like being on an emotional rollercoaster. Oakman are busy over the summer with tour dates in France before heading over to the UK for a short six date tour – we’re looking forward to this one.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Proper Attitude, I Wish Myself To Be Happier, Air Hunger
For Fans Of: The 1975, CHVRCHES, The Japanese House
Written by: Alan Brown
