When hearing bands like Oceansize, it's sad to think that the only exports from the British music scene that ever really reach North American shores these days are generally of the nostalgic or novelty variety. A sonically explosive affair, "Effloresce" is aural proof that Radiohead and Mogwai aren't the only ones left overseas intent on breaking down auditory barriers and blazing progressive new trails.

While Oceansize definitely do share a similar set of ideals to the above mentioned groups, their unique blend of prog-laden space rock generally possess a much more gloomier, if not downright dark demeanor. In fact, at times direct comparisons could be made to groups like Tool, Failure and present day Cave In. There are even moments of angst present that would recall a non-industrial nine inch nails (though Oceansize do readily enlist the aid of electronics within their craft). There in lies the beauty of "Effloresce" though, as it as an album not afraid to ascend with wispy instrumentation and jangling chords nor weigh them down with anvil like riffing and aggressive grit.

Few bands out there could so easily craft such a textured effort like this and make it work and for that alone Oceansize deserve praise. But when considering the talent shown here, the desire to express themselves creatively and artistically without falling back on any commercial orientation is really what sets this outfit apart. "Effloresce" is a cavalcade of lush instrumentation with atmospheric songs that both plummet and soar and a healthy dosage of material that gracefully balances the contrasting tones of human emotion. Sometimes instrumental, sometimes organically rock driven with a swaggering vocal delivery reminisicent of Shiner, Oceansize are an outfit who just plain see things different. Yes it will be too pretentious or self-indulgent for some. But if this bands output continues to be on the same level as this, they shall surely entice many to happily drown within their pulsing waves of inspired sound.