The Oozes - Ultrasound
Words: Eerie Rose | Single artwork: Leo Fox
With their latest release Ultrasound, London-based queer punk band The Oozes invite us for a peek into the spiralling mania of a semi-fictional character who takes us on a theatrical journey capturing the precarious peak of exaggerated optimism and heightened euphoria that characterise a manic episode. Inspired by lyricist and frontman Tom Gilbert’s own experiences with mental health, the song balances the heavy intensity and sharp delivery the band is known for with a slightly more whimsical narrative style, whilst still keeping his commitment to speaking directly and candidly about real and often unpleasant topics that others might shy away from.
Ultrasound chronicles a disorientating dive into mania, with the narrator’s captivating and confident monologue charming the listener, backed up by punchy, addictive riffs and peaks of intensity that lure you in to the chaotic circus of his mind. Cries of ‘ATTENTION!” snap you out of this maladaptive daydream like a jumpscare, moments you feel in your chest and are reminiscent of the ever-encroaching “c-c-crumbling…” that awaits. Dancing nimbly around this highly likely possibility like a rebellious court jester avoiding his already sealed fate, Tom’s teasing ”Are you still having fun? You know we’ve only just begun!” reads as much a looming, menacing threat as it does an exciting promise - the voice that seemed to have it all together reveals cracks at points that suggest the reality of this unstable and volatile state, with an impressive, theatrical vocal performance really helping to carry the listener with him through this very specific and personal experience.
With a string of festivals, three song releases, a music video and a huge UK tour under their belt for 2023, The Oozes are beginning this year with a strong start with this song release, which will be shortly followed by a mini tour around Bristol, Cambridge and Margate for Independent Venue Week. Following that, the band will be putting on a special London show for Tom’s top surgery fundraiser, which will see them play an entire ABBA themed set alongside their usual work, as well as live band karaoke for attendees to get involved with. After also playing a fundraiser for Palestine at the start of January with Nixer and Irish Artists for Palestine, it is clear the band have their sights set on both politics and community rather than just industry success, however if Ultrasound is a taste of the quality of things to come, then I doubt the latter will be far off either.
Photo by Jade Vowles
Ticket links for:
You can stay up to date with The Oozes via Instagram, Twitter, and Discord, and see all upcoming shows via their website. Ultrasound is available now on all streaming platforms.