Public Transport

## Professional ratings

"Public Transport" is the debut studio album by Danish rock band, The Oceans. The album was recorded over the course of a year and released on June 5, 2024. It features 14 tracks, showcasing the band's versatility and creativity, with a mix of power pop, punk, synth-pop, and progressive rock elements. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the band's songwriting, musicianship, and unique sound.

## Background

After the release of their debut EP, "Who is The Oceans?" in 2023, The Oceans began generating a buzz in Denmark with their unique blend of punk rock and power pop. Not long after, the band started getting attention from international audiences. The band members, Jack Schweizer and Oskar Winters, took note of this and began writing songs for their debut album.

Their goal was to create an album that focused on their personal experiences with the people around them, while also maintaining their artistic expression. They wanted to make the songs more pop-oriented, but still keep their their artistry intact. The Oceans spent a considerable amount of time in the studio recording and mixing the album over the course of a year.

## Recording

The recording process of "Public Transport" started shortly after the release of The Oceans' debut EP "Who is The Oceans?" in 2015. The band members, Jack Schweizer and Oskar Winters, began writing songs for their debut album with a clear goal in mind. They wanted to create an album that was more pop-oriented, yet retained their artistic expression. The band spent a considerable amount of time in the studio recording and mixing the album. They worked with a team of producers and engineers to achieve the sound they wanted. The recording process was a collaborative effort between the band and the production team, with everyone contributing their own ideas and expertise.

The sound of the album was influenced by the band's eclectic taste in music. They drew inspiration from punk rock, power pop, and synth-pop, blending these elements together to create a unique sound that was entirely their own. The album features 14 tracks, each showcasing the band's versatility and creativity. One of the challenges the band faced during the recording process was finding the right balance between their pop sensibilities and their artistic vision. They wanted to make an album that would appeal to a wide audience, yet still retain their authenticity as artists. This required a delicate balance between catchy melodies and intricate arrangements. Another challenge the band faced was finding the right sound for each song. They experimented with different instruments and sounds until they found the perfect combination for each track. This process required a lot of patience and experimentation, but it ultimately paid off, resulting in an album that is both cohesive and varied.

## Release

The release of "Public Transport" was highly anticipated by fans and music critics alike. The album was released on June 5, 2024, and was made available on various streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, as well as on physical formats such as CD and vinyl. To promote the album, The Oceans embarked on a tour, which kicked off in Copenhagen and included stops in major cities around the world, such as London, Paris, and New York. The tour was a massive success, with sold-out shows and enthusiastic crowds.

The album cover featured a photograph of a city bus, which was a nod to the album's title and the band's name. The band's name was superimposed on the image in bold letters, making it instantly recognizable to fans. Upon its release, "Public Transport" received positive reviews from critics, who praised the band's songwriting, musicianship, and unique sound. The album was widely hailed as a triumph and a breath of fresh air in the rock music scene.

## Critical Reception

The critical reception for "Public Transport" was overwhelmingly positive upon its release, with critics praising the band's songwriting, musicianship, and their ability to blend various genres of music. Many noted that the album marked a significant departure from the band's punk rock roots, and instead showcased a more refined and eclectic sound.

NME called the album a "triumph", stating that "From start to finish, it's a masterclass in crafting infectious, intelligent pop music." The Guardian described the album as "an exhilarating blend of punk rock, power pop, and synth-pop, with irresistible hooks and clever lyrics." Pitchfork also heaped praise on the album, declaring that "Public Transport is a revelation. The Oceans' eclectic sound is refreshing, and their songwriting is top-notch. This album is destined for greatness."

The album's commercial success was also evident, with "Public Transport" becoming the defining album of the summer of 2024. It topped charts in Denmark and several other countries, and went on to sell over a million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "(I Want You) To Love Me", was a massive hit, and received extensive radio airplay across the globe.

### Legacy

The success of The Oceans and their debut album "Public Transport" is widely credited with revitalizing the traditional rock sound and helping to shape a new era of music. Their unique blend of punk rock, power pop, and synth-pop elements inspired a wave of new artists and bands, and established The Oceans as pioneers of a fresh and exciting sound.

The album's impact on the rock scene cannot be overstated, as it helped to revive interest in the genre and showed that there was still a place for innovative, guitar-driven music in the modern music landscape. In the years following its release, numerous other bands and artists emerged who were influenced by The Oceans' sound and approach, and the album remains a touchstone for the modern rock movement.

### Accolades

"Public Transport" was nominated for the Best Rock Album category at the 2024 GRAMMYs. Although not won, it did help The Oceans take home the GRAMMY for Best New Artist.

"Public Transport" won numerous Danish accolades, including Album of The Year, Best Pop/Rock Album and Best Rock Performance at the Danish Music Awards. The album also received international recognition, with Rolling Stone magazine naming it one of the best albums of the year and praising the band's ability to "combine the urgency of punk rock with the pop sensibilities of power pop, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh."

## Personnel

### The Oceans

* Jack Schweizer (vocals, guitar)
* Oskar Winters (background vocals, bass guitar, drums, percussion)

### Additional musicians

* Sofie Lundbjerg (keyboard for track 4, 11, 12, and 14)

### Production

* Colin Zeal (producer)
* Anders Jensen (engineer)

## Certifications

Certifications to *Public Transport*
 United Kingdom (BPI)
 Europe (IFPI Europe)
 United States (RIAA)

### References

1. Kraig, B.; Sen, C.T. (2013). *Street Food Around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture*. ABC-CLIO. p. 109. ISBN 978-1-59884-955-4. Retrieved March 27, 2018.