Superocean

Once you hear the higher pitched croon of Castles' Cody Myers, a nostalgic comfort for the early 2000's will rush over you. A reminiscent mixture of Mae with a bit of older school Dr. Dog and Tame Impala, Castles understand the ins and outs of alternative rock and have shown their capacity to make it easy to love and enjoy, without sounding passé.

Starting in 2014, the Portland 4-piece have released a self titled EP in May comprised of tracks that transport you to a whole other realm sonically. The combination of Myers' colorful vocals with impeccable playing from Eric Wenzel on lead guitar, Adrian Swindells on bass and Tom Wortman on drums make for an overall chill yet stimulating listening experience.

Castles is working on some new tracks and have got a few shows coming up, including one on the July 29 at the Waypost. Congrats on being the new Deli Portland winners, boys! - The Deli

You might not have heard of Castles yet, which is a shame, but we can’t really blame you. Since the band’s formation in early 2015, the group has remained fairly elusive, playing shows few and far between. At least until recently.

On May 6, in front of an intimate audience at the sleepy North Portland dive, The Waypost, Castles celebrated the release of their first collection of recordings, a self-titled EP recorded and mixed at Robot Boy Records in Eugene. Self-described as Wayne Coyne falling asleep to Tame Impala, Castles have found a cozy niche in Portland’s dream-pop scene, blending pop influence, jangly riffs, and a touch of 60’s psychedelia.

Album opener, “All Aglow,” instantly establishes an underlying theme that carries throughout the EP; warm guitar tones awash in reverb, comfortable melodies, and singer Cody Myers’ charming, boyish falsetto. The languid, uncomplicated demeanor of songs like “Cooler Coast” and “Atlantis” have a way of subtly building layers and energy, making it hard to pinpoint exactly when the sound shifts, becoming more complex and powerful.

The downtempo “Epona” is an interesting and welcome deviation from the rest of the EP. Eerie and distant guitar shimmers above a gentle swing beat, leaving room for the vocals to carry the tune with a calming, familiar melody. “Planetside,” the album’s single, is a true earworm with a vocal hook and guitar jangle that will echo in your head just as they swell in and out of each other. - Noise & Color

Soaring guitars and a lush synth backing kicks off “Animal Caller” convincingly, showing the latest release from Superocean as one with ample appeal. Reminiscent of acts like Wild Nothing, in the incorporation of shoegaze and dream-pop tendencies with a modern arsenal, Superocean are a Portland-based act with a four-song, self-produced, self-titled EP releasing this spring. “Animal Caller” is the first track from that release. The project has roots in a project featured back in 2012: Ghost Toy Castle, the vehicle of Cody Myers that eventually culminated in the band CASTLES, and now Superocean.

The act now includes lead guitarist Eric Wenzel, bassist Jason Oppat, and drummer Tom Wortman; they recorded the forthcoming EP on a beach house in the Oregon coast, finishing up the overdubs in Oppat’s apartment. The EP also features original artwork by local artist Lily Valentine, aka Pink Gorgon. - Obscure Sound