Ocean Colour Scene

Workingman bands can't get nowhere in the new millennium -- but that doesn't mean that they're needed any less. Ocean Colour Scene make the most of being among the last of a dying breed by ignoring their impending extinction, carrying on with the same moddish rock-n-soul that's been their trademark since abandoning swirling Madchester beats for Motown/Tamla bounce on Moseley Shoals. On the Leyline stands apart from other British retro-rockers -- and indeed other OCS releases -- by being lean and muscular, with the songs lasting no longer than necessary and the performances showing some sinew and swing. There are no new wrinkles -- a previously unrecorded Paul Weller song can't be called unexpected -- but On the Leyline is solid and satisfying, the way a record by a working band should be. [This edition released in Japan included a bonus track.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide