OCEXNS – Headstrong

“Headstrong” is the latest single by OCEXNS, an outstanding Glasgow-based band. It is their first single in 2024, coming as an appropriate follow-up of “Drown” and “Under The Wire,” two excellent songs released last year. This particular number talks about all the struggles of being in a relationship with someone who desires more, portraying the complexities of love. Soundwise, OCEXNS blends many different but complementary music genres to illustrate rich and luxurious sonic imagery. Perhaps alternative rock comes to mind first, but you’ll notice how some of the finest properties borrowed from garage rock, indie rock, pop rock, and other similar subgenres found their way into this sonic equation. These additional elements serve as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that uplift this track on an entirely new level, while the OCEXNS remain loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with different but complementary styles resulted in a mesmerizing composition that will appeal to even the pickiest alternative rock fans and beyond.

As soon as you press play, you’ll notice the dynamic, cheerful, ear-appealing atmosphere, achieved by combining brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship. OCEXNS poured all their experience, knowledge, skills, and talent into their latest single, and their efforts are vividly hearable. The guitars play a significant role in this sonic equation. You’ll notice how the catchy, tastefully assembled themes, leads, melodies, and harmonies resonate on one side, while the other bursts with heavily distorted chord progressions and riffs. This interplay between lead and rhyme guitars serves as a perfect backdrop for all the vocal articulations. The outstanding vocal performance glides over low, mid, and high notes, emphasizing all the segments and instrumentations with ease. It’s nearly mindblowing how the vocals and guitars match together harmoniously, acting as guidance for the listeners.

In the meantime, the equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines offer more than necessary heaviness, depth, and clarity while simultaneously binding guitars with drums. The outstanding drumming performance dictates groove and tempo with expertly arranged, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. The rhythm section sounds superb just like the vocals and guitars, proving that each band member plays a significant role in this fine piece of sonic artistry. OCEXNS thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing their latest single. “Headstrong” breaks all the rules and shapeshifts the boundaries of alternative rock music while simultaneously combining elements borrowed from similar subgenres, proving that OCEXNS are not joking around with their music. You should put these folks on your radar as soon as possible because they deserve your utmost attention. “Headstrong” will immediately end up on your playlist. The single is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!