Ocean Colour Scene: The Unsung Heroes of the Britpop Era
Introduction
When you think of Britpop in the 1990s, bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp often come to mind. However, one band that often gets overlooked in discussions of the genre is Ocean Colour Scene. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Ocean Colour Scene played a crucial role in shaping the Britpop sound and are considered by many to be unsung heroes of the era.
Formation and Early Years
Ocean Colour Scene was formed in Birmingham, England in 1989, originally under the name The Boys. The band consisted of Simon Fowler on vocals and guitar, Steve Cradock on guitar, Oscar Harrison on drums, and Damon Minchella on bass. The band’s sound was heavily influenced by 1960s rock and roll, incorporating elements of mod, psychedelia, and Britpop.
In the early 1990s, Ocean Colour Scene released a series of singles and EPs that garnered them a small but dedicated following. They toured extensively, building a reputation for their high-energy live shows and catchy, guitar-driven songs. Despite this early success, the band struggled to break into the mainstream and were often overshadowed by other Britpop bands.
Rise to Fame
It wasn’t until 1996 that Ocean Colour Scene finally achieved commercial success with the release of their second album, “Moseley Shoals.” The album was a critical and commercial success, spawning several hit singles including “The Riverboat Song” and “The Day We Caught the Train.” “Moseley Shoals” was a defining moment for Ocean Colour Scene, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the Britpop scene.
The band’s follow-up album, “Marchin’ Already,” was released in 1997 and also achieved great success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured the hit single “Hundred Mile High City,” which was featured in the film “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.” Ocean Colour Scene’s popularity continued to grow, with the band selling out tours and playing to large crowds at festivals.
Legacy and Influence
Despite their commercial success in the 1990s, Ocean Colour Scene never achieved the same level of fame as bands like Oasis and Blur. However, their influence on the Britpop sound is undeniable, with their catchy melodies, anthemic choruses, and nostalgic lyrics capturing the spirit of the era.
Ocean Colour Scene’s music has stood the test of time, with songs like “The Day We Caught the Train” and “Better Day” still being played on the radio today. The band’s loyal fan base continues to support them, and they remain a popular live act, selling out venues across the UK.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ocean Colour Scene may not have been the biggest band of the Britpop era, but they were certainly one of the most important. Their distinctive sound and memorable songs helped to define the sound of the 1990s, and their influence can still be heard in music today. While they may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Ocean Colour Scene will always be remembered as the unsung heroes of Britpop.