We Are the Ocean
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 in Loughton, Essex, England |
| Headquarters | Loughton , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, Europe, United States, Australia |
| Products | Studio albums, extended plays, singles |
We Are the Ocean is a rock ensemble originating from Loughton, Essex, England. The group comprises Liam Cromby (lead vocals, guitar), Jack Spence (bass guitar), Alfie Scully (guitar), and Tom Whittaker (drums). Since their inception in 2007, they have produced four studio albums: Cutting Our Teeth (2010), Go Now and Live (2011), Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow (2012), and Ark (2015).
Origins and debut EP (2007–2008)
Following the dissolution of Dan Brown and Jack Spence’s former band, they joined forces with Liam Cromby, Rickie Bloom, and Tom Whittaker in 2007 to form a new act initially called Dead But Still Dreaming. The group soon adopted the name We Are the Ocean, with Alfie Scully replacing Bloom. Utilizing MySpace as a promotional platform, they quickly garnered attention, earning a nomination for the Kerrang! Best British Newcomer award in 2008. That same year, they independently issued their first self-titled EP, We Are the Ocean.
Cutting Our Teeth era and touring expansion (2008–2010)
The writing process for their debut full-length, Cutting Our Teeth, commenced in late 2008. The album was produced by Brian McTernan at Baltimore’s Salad Days Studio and experienced several postponements before its official release on 1 February 2010. A deluxe version appeared in October 2010, incorporating their initial EP alongside four previously unreleased songs, which was met with favorable reviews.
The band broadened their audience through extensive touring across the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and Australia. Their live performances included appearances at prominent festivals such as Reading and Leeds Festival, Download Festival, and The Bamboozle in New Jersey.
Lineup change and Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow period (2011–2013)
We Are the Ocean recorded their sophomore album, Go Now and Live, with producer Pete Miles. Tracks like "What It Feels Like," "The Waiting Room," and "Runaway" gained airplay on Radio 1, with the album entering the charts at number 45. On 1 March 2012, they revealed plans to begin recording their third album in May. Subsequently, on 5 June 2012, via Facebook, it was announced that lead vocalist Dan Brown had departed to pursue a career in band management; Liam Cromby assumed primary vocal responsibilities. Their third studio release, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow, was launched in the UK on 17 September 2012.
ARK release and dissolution (2014–2017)
Under new management guidance, the band recorded their fourth album, ARK, during summer 2014 and unveiled a teaser single by year-end. Following a BBC Live Lounge appearance featuring an acoustic rendition and a cover of a London Grammar song, they secured a deal with BMG/Infectious. The album ARK was released on 11 May 2015 alongside a supporting tour. In early 2016, the band parted ways with their label for undisclosed reasons. On 18 January 2017, We Are the Ocean declared their breakup and announced a farewell European tour scheduled for February and March.
Reunion announcement (2022)
On 15 July 2022, We Are the Ocean revealed plans to reunite and perform live for the first time in five years at London's Omeara Venue on 15 October.
Band members
- Current lineup
- Liam Cromby – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano (2007–2017, 2022)
- Alfie Scully – lead guitar (2007–2017, 2022), vocals (2012–2017, 2022)
- Jack Spence – bass guitar, backing vocals (2007–2017, 2022)
- Tom Whittaker – drums, percussion (2007–2017, 2022)
- Past members
- Dan Brown – lead vocals (2007–2012)
- Timeline
Studio albums
| Album title | Release information | Highest chart rankings | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | UK Indie | UK Rock | UK Digital | ||
| Cutting Our Teeth |
|
143 | — | — | — |
| Go Now and Live |
|
45 | 5 | 3 | 40 |
| Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow |
|
59 | — | — | — |
| ARK |
|
73 | 13 | 4 | — |
Extended plays
| Title | Release details |
|---|---|
| We Are the Ocean |
|
| Look Alive |
|
Singles
| Single title | Year released | Highest chart positions | Source album or release | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | SVK | |||
| "Nothing Good Has Happened Yet" | 2008 | — | — | We Are the Ocean |
| "God Damn Good" | 2009 | — | — | |
| "Look Alive" | 2010 | — | — | Cutting Our Teeth |
| "These Days, I Have Nothing" | — | — | ||
| "All of This Has to End" | — | — | ||
| "Lucky Ones" | — | — | ||
| "What It Feels Like" | 2011 | — | 70 | Go Now and Live |
| "The Waiting Room" | — | 22 | ||
| "Runaway" | — | 45 | ||
| "Overtime Is a Crime" | — | — | ||
| "Bleed" | 2012 | — | — | Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow |
| "The Road (Run for Miles)" | — | — | ||
| "Now and Then (Acoustic)" | 2021 | — | — | Non-album single |
Music videos
- "Save Me! Said the Saviour" (2007)
- "Nothing Good Has Happened Yet" (2008)
- "Welcome to My Broken Home"
- "Look Alive" (2009)
- "All of This Has to End" (2010)
- "These Days I Have Nothing" (2010)
- "Lucky Ones" (2010)
- "Waiting Room" (2011)
- "Runaway" (2011)
- "What It Feels Like" (2011)
- "Overtime Is a Crime" (2011)
- "The Road" (2012)
- "Young Heart" (2012)
- "Machine" (17 April 2013)
- "Chin Up, Son" (5 September 2013)
- "Holy Fire" (2015)
- "Do It Together" (2015)
- "Good For You" (2015)
- "Hey Now" (2015)
- "The Pretender (Foo Fighters cover)" (2015)