There was a young woman in the same train car with me as I made my way from lower Manhattan to The Brooklyn Paramount theatre. 

Her lacey white top, denim skirt, and cut-throat boots drew my eyes amidst the soft summer wear of my fellow commuters and I. Moments later, I lost sight of her in the sea of Ocean Alley’s seemingly endless crowd. 

She, like me, had been on her way to see the six-piece alternative rock band perform their biggest New York show to date. Though the vast crowd held an easygoing nature, the anticipatory energy was palpable as the stage hands drifted from left to right, fixing cords and mic stands beneath a palace-esque archway.

Ocean Alley has a psychedelic, smooth sound with undertones of that spirited, Australian charm one would hope for when attending a summertime show. They came together in 2011, with Baden Donegal on vocals and guitar, Angus Goodwin and Mitch Galbraith rocking guitars, Lach Galbraith on keys and vocals, Nic Blom on bass, and Tom O’Brien killing it on the drums. 

Among their more popular songs are “Yellow Mellow” (2013), “Confidence” and “Knees” from their 2018 hit album Chiaroscuro, and “Tangerine” from the album they are currently rolling out: Love Balloon. 

Those at the theatre this recent Saturday night were fortunate enough to hear each of these hits, as well as some of Ocean Alley’s unreleased songs. I must admit that it had been a few years since I intentionally listened to such a groovy style of rock, but I was won over by the sway of their music and the liveliness of their playing immediately. 

Their presence beneath the spectacular Brooklyn Paramount lights and decor was intoxicating, yet I suspect the six musicians would be equally as captivating in an empty room. Although the execution of this concert was one for the books — with swirling spotlights and dancing colours stretching across every sun-kissed face within the crowd — it was Ocean Alley’s echoey passion and free-flowing artistry that sent the audience soaring. 

On my train home there was a bundle of jolly, drunk men bouncing around the car. I don’t think they had been at the show, but they helped carry the joy of it home with me.

I would recommend catching Ocean Alley’s next show. In the meantime, check out their music and accompany these sunny days with some blissful tunes.