Exemplifying the literal definition of a shit sandwich, fans of the band had thought that Christmas had come early in 2016 when Oceans Ate Alaska announced that they were about to hit the studio to record their second full length album. They stated that “This record is by far our proudest work of art yet, and were seriously excited for you to all hear what we've created - you won't believe your ears!”.
Yet much to their dismay, the band followed this good news with a healthy layer of shit, announcing that James Harrison would no longer be the vocalist of Oceans Ate Alaska. They went on to explain that “as a band we have accomplished a lot over the past 5 years, but within that time it's become very clear that we are on different paths personally and creatively - therefore we have decided to part ways with James on the best terms possible”.
Almost breezing past this bombshell, the band completed the shit sandwich by adding the final layer of good news, broadcasting that over the next few weeks they would be announcing many new tours, provide detailed updates on the new album and would importantly reveal who the new vocalist of the band would be.
Then, all was silent from James. Almost dropping out of the scene, not much was heard from the vocalist until the 1st of June 2017 when James announced to the world via an Instagram video that “I have a new band. You’ll hear about it soon.” And hear about it we did. If you click the video, you get a first taste of what the new band may sound like. With some tasty tones and rhythmic patterns good enough to get your Granma in the pit, the post was noticeable for its deliberate lack of vocals. James ended the post with the hashtag #LAL2k17. With no idea what the anagram meant we were left with a mouth-watering message “Wasn't going to let two albums worth of material go to waste now was I. Ya boys back at it! SPREAD THE WORD 🙌 #LAL2K17 #UK #NYC”.
Like a painfully long hardcore build-up, after dropping the mic, James seemed to leave the stage. Yet on the 29th of December 2017 we were invited backstage to peep behind the hashtag. Not only did James reveal the band name to be Live A Lie we were also graced with something of an explanation as to James’s life post Oceans Ate Alaska. “I spent the last 18 months contemplating if music was really what I wanted to do in life. I'd become dejected, uninspired and bored of my former role in music. All I knew is that I needed some space to breathe and think for myself, an in doing so I found a place where my creativity could not be suppressed. I can't wait to show you everything we've been working on real soon. In the meantime give the page a follow and see the creation of something much more than just a band. #livealie”.
Since that post in December of last year, we were treated to silence once more. Or so we thought. Recently, James’s Instagram story gave us some sweet, sweet relief and eased the tension with some sick Live A Lie instrumentals. But yet again, these demos were devoid of vocals. It seems patience really is the game with this band. Let’s just hope that the wait is worth it.
To keep up to date in the event that the immovable stone that is Live a Lie moves click here.