AMN Reviews: The German Ocean – The German Ocean (2021; Submarine Broadcasting Company)

The German Ocean is the UK-based duo of Darren j Holloway and Gavin Martin, and this self-titled release is their debut. The sounds herein cinematically evoke those of a World War II U-boat stealthily making its way across the North Sea. Thus, the group name and album title. Substantively, these efforts are in line with those of the drone and dark ambient genres, with spacious textures, pulsing and oscillating tones, as well as long-held, gritty guitar and organ chords. The slow-moving atmosphere is punctuated by propulsive moments that are almost mechanical in nature. These pieces tend toward melancholy, if not anxiety, with danger just out of view. The result is a mysterious and compelling album, with plenty to offer to fans of Lustmord or Sunn O))). Highly recommended.