Ocean Hands deliver a polished mix of anthemic indie-rock and riveting electro-pop, with a sound comparable to The Helio Sequence, Passion Pit, and Local Natives. Formed two years ago, the San Diego-based four-piece released their full-length debut – Dreamcatcher – in September. It’s a very solid representation of a young group with a firm grasp on their stylistic aim. On standout track “Pictures of What”, the balance of trickling rock guitars and nocturnal yet anthemic synth arpeggios provides for an instantly infectious electro-rock appeal, while Miles McCormack’s vocals bring the right amount of youthfulness and raw passion to the table.
Dreamcatcher is especially impressive for a debut because of the consistency throughout. In addition to “Pictures of What”, there are a variety of successful stylistic attempts. Two that come to mind are the playful twee-laden acoustic/twinkles of “Coastlines” and synth-rock anthem “Lights Out”, the latter of which reminds me of The Helio Sequence in the best ways possible, particularly how both them and Ocean Hands find a striking middle-ground between synth-pop fascination and sonorous indie-rock. Ocean Hands have the potential to become radio darlings. Stream Dreamcatcher in full below and download it on Bandcamp:
