Workingman bands can't get nowhere in the new millennium -- but that doesn't mean that they're needed any less. Ocean Colour Scene make the most of being among the last of a dying breed by ignoring their impending extinction, carrying on with the same moddish rock-n-soul that's been their trademark since abandoning swirling Madchester beats for Motown/Tamla bounce on Moseley Shoals. On the Leyline stands apart from other British retro-rockers -- and indeed other OCS releases -- by being lean and muscular, with the songs lasting no longer than necessary and the performances showing some sinew and swing. There are no new wrinkles -- a previously unrecorded Paul Weller song can't be called unexpected -- but On the Leyline is solid and satisfying, the way a record by a working band should be. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine|
Rovi
正真正銘の正統派UKロック継承バンドが、2年ぶりとなる新作をリリース。若手バンドを引率する兄貴分としての揺るぎない存在感と、ピュアでストレートな変わらないスピリッツを兼ね備えた今作は、シンプルかつ重厚な出来映えだ。いまどき安心感とドキドキ感を同時に味わえるバンドは、そういるもんじゃない。兄貴たちの兄貴(!?)ポール・ウェラーも曲作りに参加した、UKロック入門者も往年のファンも納得の充実作です!
bounce (C)柴田 かずえ
タワーレコード(2007年07月号掲載 (P97))