Released July 1, 2014 Length 3:13 | Format digital download | |
B-side "Oceans (Instrumental)" Recorded January 2012, Equinox By Fireside Studio, Horsham, PA Label Equinox By Fireside Music | ||
"Oceans" is a song by American rock musician D. S. Bradford. The song was recorded in 2012 and released as a single in conjunction with an original hand drawn art piece on July 1, 2014. According to an interview in Vents Magazine, "Oceans" was Bradford's "testament to a fresh start, a new outlook on life." The song was produced and recorded entirely by Bradford. It was also reported during the interview that "Oceans" is the lead single from Bradford's upcoming debut EP, due for release in 2015.
Contents
Composition and recording
"Oceans" is a rock song described as blending punk rock elements with modulated guitar tones reminiscent of alternative rock. The song was written on January 8, 2012 and recorded completely on January 23, 2012. "Oceans" was the first song of a new era for Bradford, having returned from a hiatus from music to set straight his life and his priorities. The lyrical content alludes to retrieving a life from loss and regaining a hold on reality that was threatened by the actions of a person who lost their way in the superficial.
Cover art
D.S. Bradford chose not to contract the cover art for the single to another artist, nor a photographer. Instead he chose to create a hand drawn image that depicts the world in peace. Two hands clasped together from opposite sides of the Earth, the oceans parting, taking the shape of a heart. Nestled in the opening of the heart is an image of the son belonging to he and his fiancé. The image is meant to convey the importance of life and the protective nature of the planet and how both the human race and the Earth coexist within the protection of one another and how fragile each is at any given time. The cradle of the heart represents an omnipresent love, his way of displaying the value and love Bradford has for his family, expressed in the surrealistic scene. All of these personal inclusions lent to the entire experience of this release.
Reception
"Oceans" was released on July 1, 2014 amid mixed reviews. Libby Ayres of Mentioned Reviews stated that Bradford's release was,
Keith Lovett from Soundcrave Magazine advocated,
Similarly, Anthony Harris, from an advance review in his publication, East Coast Music Scene, approved of "Oceans," pointing out the thoughtful timing of the release, "With crunchy riffs and a rockin' groove, it's a great tune for these early days of summer." and compared the song to such artists as The Smithereens, BoDeans, and Dinosaur Jr.
Although most writers gave praise, others criticized the song. Soundcloud Music Reviews praised "Oceans," at first, stating that, "Bradford's commanding vocal delivery is [...] appropriately matched for the driving forces of the song." They, however, also felt that the song "lacked structure" and was "missing a chorus." Review Rhino stated, "Feels disjointed and random at times but still it has some quality and rock edge to it that is enjoyable. Good effort 3/5 [stars]" All sources listed the positive and negative qualities of "Oceans" and ultimately concluded that the song was of good quality and admirable as a first effort.
In addition to reviews, D. S. Bradford and "Oceans" were featured in editorials, including Niji Magazine, along with online publications AbsolutePunk, Wrecked Radio, and an in-depth interview about the release and background in iMoveiLive Magazine.
"Oceans" received a considerable amount of airplay across internet radio, as well. Most notably, EGH Radio in the UK featured "Oceans" five times leading up to, and after, the release date of the song.
Awards
In spite of the mixed review given by Soundcloud Music Reviews, Bradford was awarded "Artist of the Month" for July 2014 in the Rock category due to this release.