Oceans (D. S. Bradford song)

"Oceans"
Single by D. S. Bradford
B-side "Oceans (Instrumental)"
Released July 1, 2014
Format digital download
Recorded January 2012, Equinox By Fireside Studio, Horsham, PA
Genre
Length 3:13
Label Equinox By Fireside Music
Writer(s) Music/Lyrics: D. S. Bradford
Producer(s)

D.S. Bradford

Music video
"Oceans" on YouTube

"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.[1] 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.[2]

Composition and recording

"Oceans" is a rock song described as blending punk rock elements with modulated guitar tones reminiscent of alternative rock.[3] The song was written on January 8, 2012 and recorded completely on January 23, 2012.[4] "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.[5]

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.[5] 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.[6] All of these personal inclusions lent to the entire experience of this release.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic.com[7]
East Coast Music Scene[8]
Soundcloud Music Reviewsfavorable[3]
Mentioned Reviewsfavorable[6]
Review Rhino[9]
Soundcrave Magazine[10]

"Oceans" was released on July 1, 2014[1] amid mixed reviews. Libby Ayres of Mentioned Reviews stated that Bradford's release was,

“ "far away from most solo work around at the moment; no acoustic guitars or harmonicas, no, this electric-guitar driven track is gritty and pacey, and is more that just a song." ”

[6]

Keith Lovett from Soundcrave Magazine advocated,

“ "D.S. [Bradford] represents the concept of starting from scratch and making your own luck. This is a great start from an artist with a creative edge and positivity driven by passion." ”

[10]

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.[8]

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."[3] 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]"[9] 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,[11] along with online publications AbsolutePunk,[1] Wrecked Radio,[12][13] and an in-depth interview about the release and background in iMoveiLive Magazine.[5]

"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.[4]

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.[14]

Personnel

Production and Recording

Artwork

References

  1. 1 2 3 AbsolutePunk.net (July 1, 2014). "D. S. Bradford "Oceans" Release Announcement". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  2. ↑ Vents Magazine (August 14, 2014). "Interview: D. S. Bradford". Vents Magazine. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 DeSantis, H. (July 1, 2014). "Soundcloud Music Reviews: D. S. Bradford Brings Heavy Guitars In Oceans (Alternative Rock)". Soundcloud Music Reviews. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  4. 1 2 D. S. Bradford EPK Retrieved July 14, 2014
  5. 1 2 3 iMoveiLive Online Music Magazine (June 24, 2014). "An Interview with D. S. Bradford". iMoveiLive Online Music Magazine. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 Ayres, Libby (July 3, 2014). "D. S. Bradford "Oceans" Review". Mentioned Reviews. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  7. ↑ AllMusic.com (June 20, 2015). "D. S. Bradford AllMusic.com".
  8. 1 2 Harris, Anthony (June 18, 2014). "Review: D. S. Bradford: Oceans". East Coast Music Scene. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  9. 1 2 Review Rhino (July 13, 2014). "Review of D. S. Bradford "Oceans"". Review Rhino. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Lovett, Keith (July 15, 2014). "Album Review: D. S. Bradford Releases "Oceans"". Soundcrave Magazine. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  11. 1 2 Schmitt, Rochelle (July 10, 2014). "D. S. Bradford "Oceans" Video/Artist Feature". Niji Magazine. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  12. ↑ Paul, Jess (June 18, 2014). "D. S. Bradford on The Wrecked List". The Wrecked List. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  13. ↑ Paul, Jess (June 17, 2014). "D. S. Bradford Official Announcement "Oceans" Release". Wrecked Radio. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  14. ↑ Soundcloud Music Reviews (July 11, 2014). "SCMR Artist of the Month Results D. S. Bradford "Oceans" Category: Rock". Soundcloud Music Reviews. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  15. ↑ D. S. Bradford "Oceans" Artwork Retrieved July 15, 2014
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