Starting only back in 2010, the six guys in Ocean Alley have already managed to create a steady fan base in the Sydney area, evidenced by their over 1,100 likes on their Facebook band page. They’ve also been mentioned more than once by their competitors in the festival, that say they are one of the most enjoyable bands to watch live and are definitely one of the strongest contenders for getting to the finals.

They’ve steeped in their influences of artists like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, and Kingfisha, and have created a truly unique fusion of those psychedelic and reggae sounds that’s both thoughtful and soothing and will get your body moving all at the same time. If you’re curious about their sound, check out their Triple J Unearthed page where you can stream their original song “Yellow Mellow”. This one starts out with a beautiful, ethereal combination of keys and tremolo guitar, and has clear, powerful vocals that are well balanced with the other instrumentation. The singer has a great range and an incredibly charming, raspy quality, as well as great lyrical phrasing. “Freedom Lover” is another great one, where the organ just whistles and whines in the background, accenting the vocal lines perfectly, and features their signature, soaring guitar solos.

They’re taking these songs, and more, and honing their live performance to the point of perfection to ensure, both, that you have an amazing time grooving to their tunes, and that they make their way to the finals of the Emergenza Festival. Don’t miss this chance to see them, along with eight great contenders at The Factory Theatre on the 1st.