Ocean Alley at Alexandra Palace

A collective sense of anticipation and delight swept across the iconic Alley Palley stage. Following the promise of the support acts, The Grogans and Cassia, Ocean Alley wowed the crowd with their unique eclectic sound that doesn’t seem to fit the mould of any musical genre. 

Opening with their latest release, Tangerine, from their fourth studio album, Love Balloon, the night oscillated from dreamy to gritty, melancholic to merry. The groove-heavy six-piece were a breath of fresh air in this modern climate of artistic bankruptcy. Psychedelic funk, sun-drenched soul and reggae infused with complex instrumental layering were so meticulously woven together to create a hazy mélange of the golden age of the 70s and beyond, with glitches of David Bowie, Bob Marley and even The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The band’s lush guitar textures, combined with Baden Donegal’s sultry-smokey lead vocals, were particularly hypnotic and complemented the ambient washes and synths, inviting the listener to a moment of introspective easy-listening, whether one is star-gazing solo or vibing at a party. 

Boasting a 19-track set-list, the crowd were spoilt for choice, from fan favourites to new material and bangers, including Yellow Mellow and Confidence. After the latter, the groove had hit its peak and generated a palpable emotional response from the swarm of people that had dedicated their evening to this spectacle of musical transcendence. A darker, more bluesy rock track, Tombstone was a particular mood shifter: a memorable moment for its poignancy reminiscent of early Jim Morrison and Dire Straits. 

Ocean Alley at Alexandra Palace wasn’t just another concert for them; it was a milestone in their 14-year career. The Aussie reggae-psych rockers have no doubt proved their longevity without compromising their soul and unique edge, having filled the North London landmark we all know and love. If you adore music that flows and envelops you, that lets you lose yourself in groove but keeps you grounded in melody, this was one of those shows. It was grand but also deeply human.