Album Review: Oceania

It has been a long five year wait for The Smashing Pumpkins to release a new album and that time has finally come. Front man Billy Corgan hasn't given up on The Pumpkins, despite the fact that he is the only original member of the band left. Corgan is holding the band together with his remarkable, distinctive voice, incredible writing skills and mad talent. The 13 track album "Oceania" has lived up to it's expectations and possibly even surpassed them. The replacement band members do an excellent job and you can barely tell the difference from the new members to the old. Oceania, being a concept album definitely needs to be listened to from beginning to end to fully understand it.We all expected this album to be very different from their previous works, considering the changes and the fact that this is 2012, not 1995.  For all the Pumpkins fans who can't let go of the 90's you will be pleasantly surprised. Oceania shares similarities to their previous albums staying true to their roots. Some of the tracks have a dream-like and very surreal sound such as the sweet sounding song, "Pinwheels". One of my favourite tracks on the album is "Pale Horse". The song has such a gorgeous, soft sound that leaves a lasting impression. I'm not sure I quite like the title track "Oceania", however it does showcase all of Corgan's many talents with his amazing vocals, heart-touching lyrics and incredible guitar. The album (especially the track "The Chimera") reminds me somewhat of  their classic album "Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness", which is very impressive considering the bands many changes. Although the new album holds similarities to their old work it is definitely not a repeat of their previous records. All in all, this is an amazing album that needs to be listened to by all Smashing Pumpkins fans as well as any newcomers who want a band with a 90's feel and an original sound.

Track Listing

1.	"Quasar"	4:55
2.	"Panopticon"	3:52
3.	"The Celestials"	3:57
4.	"Violet Rays"	4:19
5.	"My Love Is Winter"	3:32
6.	"One Diamond, One Heart"	3:50
7.	"Pinwheels"	5:43
8.	"Oceania"	9:05
9.	"Pale Horse"	4:37
10.	"The Chimera"	4:16
11.	"Glissandra"	4:06
12.	"Inkless"	3:08
13.	"Wildflower"

About

This blog is dedicated to keeping you up to date with your favourite metal and alternative bands. Each week I will review and write about a different band, album, concert or event. From Psychedelic rock to Grind-core, I've got you covered. I will review classics as well as up and coming and underground bands and will keep you in the know. You can look forward to the review of Metal-core band, As I Lay Dying's new album "Awakened" as well as Indie band Mumford & Son's album "Babel" in the near future. I will write music reviews, discuss hot topics and keep you up to date with your favourite bands. Everything from goth to indie I will keep you posted. Thank's for checking out my blog and check in next week!