Go Now And Live (10th Anniversary)

About as far removed from their hometown's other recent cultural export, Jersey Shore rip-off The Only Way Is Essex, as is possible, post-hardcore quintet We Are the Ocean have slowly gained a loyal following ever since they received a Kerrang! award nomination before they had even signed their first record deal. Following their 2008 self-titled EP, and their 2010 full length-debut, Cutting Our Teeth, their Pete Mills-produced sophomore, Go Now and Live, shows the band are fully intent on building on that fan base with 11 mainstream-embracing, streamlined rock tracks which could fit comfortably alongside Fightstar, You Me at Six, and Funeral for a Friend on daytime radio playlists. The dual vocals of Liam Cromby and Dan Brown are still a quintessential feature of their Alexisonfire-inspired sound, but while the former's softer, lilting tones remain intact, the latter's screaming macho roars have largely been abandoned in favor of an equally gruff but more melodic approach, a change in style which works wonders on the shredding guitar-driven lead single "The Waiting Room," the punchy "Trials and Tribulations," and the Kings of Leon-esque "Now and Then." There are still a few concessions to their previous emocore sound, such as the adrenaline-fueled opener "Trouble Is Temporary, Time Is Tonic," and the raucous grunge of "Overtime Is a Crime," but their stodgy riffs and repetitive choruses feel like a step backwards when compared to the likes of "Runaway," a melancholic tale of parental divorce which showcases a previously hidden tender side, and the driving anthemic singalong of "Follow What You Need." But overall, Go Now and Live is both an emphatic statement of intent, and a huge improvement on their underwhelming debut, which might just put Essex on the map for its music rather than its trashy reality shows. ~ Jon O'Brien