Why Aren’t Oceansize (And Their Drummer) More Famous?

[@squall2112]

Greatest three prog drummers of the 2000s? Easily Danny Carey, Gavin Harrison and Mark Heron (Dino Campanella a close fourth, another forgotten hero that's worth rediscovering - wink! wink!), such a shame that only two of them have reached global recognition. Thank you for basically making the video I'd make if I was a youtuber. For those who missed it, I recommend the 2019 interview on Drummer's Journal #17: I had wondered for years on his fate and it turns out it's a pretty touching story of losing one's centre of gravity to almost life-threatening extents. Oceansize and Mark both have this unique feature that you don't know where to even begin: what song would you suggest? what's a favourite? what's a significative one? There's no answer because every section is so unique. But I have to say his work in "Home and minor" is incredible: the brushes, the ostinatos, the layered simplicity, the light touch... all the characteristics you mentioned in your analysis just shine even more. And then, by contrast, the (as far as I know) only good drum cam video of him on youtube: Kong's "A hint of rennit innit", a filthy and wacky, raw power performance.

[@Shryke123]

This is such a great video, thanks for posting it

[@11thdimension1986]

Great video! I think you should do a deep dive video of every Oceansize 11/8 songs. That seems like their favourite time signature!

[@justincredible1990]

I've never experienced any formal music education in my life and couldn't even read music to save it. Yet, you explained all of this with so much clarity to me and at no point was I ever confused about what was happening. In fact, you've just quantified everything I've always noticed but couldn't quite explain. It's what's always made Mark one of my favourite drummers of all time. Man, I miss this band. I can't even choose a favourite song. However Long Forgotten is one of the most beautiful endings to an album I've ever heard. Women Who...is also another masterpiece. Thanks for doing this deep dive. Really appreciated.

[@JonEirikBoholm]

I’m so happy I discovered this band early enough to see them live, even if only once before they broke up. I still listen to them to this day.

[@chiasson65]

Heron is bloody amazing,,,,,,and oceansize was one of the best bands to ever rock this planet. Frames was just released on Spotify and Apple music today.

[@IdoSchacham]

Damn, you blew my mind too with your analysis of Music for a Nurse. I also don't understand how come this truly amazing music is still so underground, not to mention the drumming. Oceansize is still one of my favorite bands ever, and I think though they reached a small audience, we all love them deeply.

[@sergiocroquer3983]

I forgot I used to listen to this band a lot! Thanks for bringing me back to them! Great band.

[@drumswithpete]

Hey it's a pleasure! Really glad to have begun your 're-introduction' haha. They certainly were super unique weren't they!?

[@jamo635]

Oceansize is still one of my favourite bands and i (as a guitarist) always love at first great drummers. And Mark Heron is one of my favourites. Miss the band a lot. One the other hand they stopped having only great albums. Which band can say this. But they and Mark are so underrated (perhaps not, a lot of musicians know them really well), but wished them the attention and success they deserved. edit: thanks for this great video!

[@dreikaesehochkant]

Thanks so much for this insightful video! Oceansize are one of my favourite bands and even after listening to their songs countless times I still notice subleties in Mark's drumming that I hadn't paid attention to before. I'd love to see another breakdown on his style, given that there's so much to analyse despite the few records they made!

[@drumswithpete]

Thanks so much - really appreciate you! Yeah there's so much you could say about him isn't there?! Each of Oceansize's tunes has a little drum masterclass contained in it haha! Awesome, I'd certainly love to do another Oceansize tune at some point - I think Only Twin is next on my (much too long) list of tunes to play. What are your favourite Oceansize tunes?

[@dreikaesehochkant]

@@drumswithpete Cool! Only Twin is definitely up there for me as well, along with so many others - Women Who Love Men Who Love Drugs, Music for a Nurse, Remember Where You Are, Commemorative T-Shirt, Ornament... the list goes on and on!

[@visualaura]

Anything 'size related will automatically get my like, but really great video. Mark was an exceptional drummer, and it's a huge shame he and the entire band didn't take off and get nearly as much respect as they deserved. you basically hit the nail on the head from 16:30 to 17:30. I don't know whether or not you've seen the drummer's journal interview he did, but that's exactly what happened to Mark. also, he does frequently comment on 'size songs on this site, so there's a chance he can see this!

[@drumswithpete]

I totally agree with you! Yes I did see some of his 'drummer's journal' interview - sounded really tough when he gave a few more details! When did you get into Oceansize? Ooo yeah and I saw their recent Fb post about Frames, so that's exciting!

[@visualaura]

Yeah, I'm glad to hear Mark's doing much better now, though. I discovered them semi recently, haha, around 2016. I wish I could've caught them live! I'm super excited about the Frames reprint too. I hope they'll return to streaming platforms soon, even though Vennart isn't a fan of music streaming. Also give us more Oceansize content down the road, please. Your trail of fire cover was fantastic!

[@drumswithpete]

@@visualaura yeah glad Mark's back to playing again! And thanks - you're so kind! Trail Of Fire is a really fun song to play! I'd love to do more Oceansize - it'll be a pleasure! Hmm do you have a particular song/album you'd be interested to hear? 'Only Twin' is on my (very) expansive list.... Haha I'M SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE FRAMES REPRINT TOO!!

[@visualaura]

Only Twin would be incredible, and I can suggest either Sleeping Dogs And Dead Lions or Women Who Love Men Who Love Drugs or even The Charm Offensive. Cheers!

[@drumswithpete]

A mighty list! Haha would love to do ALL of those! Might take me some time though haha - I'm deep into a couple of Tool songs right now....

[@HCXWinchester]

Such an amazing band

[@mirrorintheforest6814]

Not a fav, but definitely an honorable mention - IBOW

[@fishofdopeness]

The QR code isn't working - seems like your website is down.

[@drumswithpete]

You're right - my domain was lost in the Google --> Squarespace merger.... It was a dark time haha. It should all be working now!