The boys from Bakersfield finally have a proper LP. Dance for joy, children. I have enjoyed Lost Ocean since hearing their independent releases, so it warms the cockles of my heart to see them with the potential of reaching a broader audience. And if there were ever a set of songs to serve as a proper introduction - the collection on Lost Ocean's self-titled debut would be the ones.

The songs are glossy in composition and thickly layered with lots of harmonized vocals and wistful guitar licks. The near-constant piano melodies serve to deepen every song, accompanied by playful bass and drums bouncing around each other's rhythm. It all coalesces into a hauntingly beautiful work.

Even though they lyrically tend toward the interpersonal, the songs don't really ever seem obtrusive. They convey the feeling of an old friend coming alongside to share in a bit of your hurt, a few miles in your shoes- and now here's what they have to say about it all. There's always a sense of refreshingly gentle honesty, especially in the personally explorative "Dreams" and "Vast." Other songs are declarative in a spiritual vein, such as in "Lights," which explores creation's inherent desire for, and need of, Divine presence to fulfill us.

Sometimes danceable, other times emotional- but always impressively orchestrated. Lost Ocean gives us a great insertion to their beautiful little world.

- Review date: 2/20/07, written by David Goodman