What makes Chiaroscuro by Ocean Alley notable?

Chiaroscuro debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart and received significant critical acclaim for its innovative sound that merges various genres. The album's standout track, Confidence, garnered widespread radio play and contributed to Ocean Alley's recognition as a leading act in the indie and alternative rock scenes. Released on March 9, 2018, Chiaroscuro is Ocean Alley's second studio album, following their debut Lost Tropics from 2016. The band had begun to establish themselves in the Australian music scene, building on their growing fanbase through extensive touring and festival appearances.

Who is Chiaroscuro for?

Chiaroscuro works well if you're into laid-back afternoon vibes, reflective and introspective moments and smooth transitions and flows.

How many songs are on Chiaroscuro?

Chiaroscuro has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Chiaroscuro

Ocean Alley · 2018

48 min · 12 tracks

A vibrant blend of reggae grooves, psychedelic rock, and soulful melodies that captures the essence of Australian coastal life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Confidence — This track encapsulates the album's core themes of self-assurance and resilience, driven by its catchy chorus and infectious rhythm.
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Happy Sad — Blending upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's unique ability to balance joy and melancholy.
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The Comedown — This song showcases a fusion of smooth reggae-inspired grooves with reflective lyrics that highlight the tension between highs and lows.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Chiaroscuro blends genres effectively but has moments that feel less cohesive, impacting its overall flow.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track, 'Confidence', introduces a more upbeat rhythm that shifts the album's energy.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration of sound, particularly in 'Rage' and 'Overgrown'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

laid-back afternoon vibes
reflective and introspective moments
smooth transitions and flows
steady rhythmic grooves
inviting sing-along choruses

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 9, 2018, Chiaroscuro is Ocean Alley's second studio album, following their debut Lost Tropics from 2016. The band had begun to establish themselves in the Australian music scene, building on their growing fanbase through extensive touring and festival appearances.
Stylistic neighbors: Tash Sultana· Sticky Fingers· The Jungle Giants