LUCIDAimless Oceans

Self-prescribed post-hardcore and punk-rock, but with smatterings of goth-metal and hard rock? Sydney’s Lucid are experiencing something of an identity crisis in their debut EP, Aimless Oceans.

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It’s not a bad thing, mind you, it just means that what you ultimately take away from this ambitious, passionate outfit is just that–ambition and passion.

Lucid prove to be good at a lot of things rather than excelling in one area. From the deeply morose undertones of opener Embrace where goth-metal is implied, to the bright bops featured in On The Line, Lucid definitely demonstrate their love for lots of sounds, and they perform well. The only downside is the confusing aspect of their intentions sonically.

Lucid prove to be good at a lot of things rather than excelling in one area.

Aimless Oceans does everything it needs to–renders the listener intrigued, relays exciting emotions and the more pensive ones, gets creative with its song structures–but it’s that back and forth of trying to pay homage to all their influences that throws the band off an otherwise awesome course. Punk-rock would be this reviewer’s suggestion for the band’s direction. On The Line and Come Too Far ooze punk-rock passion, creativity, emotion, and anthemic ideals, making them the EPs most likeable tracks.

Big high five to drummer Mitchell Hand and guitarist Ryan Thomas, who’s rampant rhythms through On The Line and feisty finger work in Drown Me respectively, are clear cut and gripping, the talents of these two rendering them the band’s MVPs. Oh, and as On The Line has been mentioned several times here, let’s call that the standout track in this release. It really is a banger.

Lucid carry elements of multiple genres through Aimless Oceans quite well, but once they work out which sound they feel most at home creating and really lean into making that the signature sound, there’s definitely potential for that sound to become sensational.

STANDOUT TRACKS: On The Line, Come Too Far, Drown Me
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Eat Your Heart Out, Yours Truly, Dream State