Ocean Pleasant’s latest offering, “Ungrateful Daughter”, serves as a poignant testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to craft deeply introspective and relatable music. Originally hailing from the bustling city of Houston and now finding her creative haven in the tranquil setting of Honolulu, Ocean Pleasant’s journey as a singer-songwriter has been nothing short of remarkable.
Her musical odyssey began in ninth grade when she stumbled upon a ukulele belonging to a camp counselor, igniting a creative spark that would shape her path in the years to come. Since then, she has captivated audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, earning widespread acclaim for her debut single, “Love Letter to Myself”, in 2015.
With her new sophomore EP, “Ungrateful Daughter”, Ocean Pleasant delves into deeply personal territory, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Produced by Tyler Thompson and featuring collaborations with knight and Chance Peña, the EP is a testament to Ocean’s growth as both a songwriter and a storyteller.
The EP opens with “First Ring”, a gentle and intimate track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Ocean’s elegant vocals float effortlessly over soft acoustic guitar and airy key tones, delivering poignant lyricism about the complexities of familial relationships and the pain of losing touch with a loved one.
“Sky is Less Blue” continues the introspective journey, offering a downtempo folk sound characterized by gentle guitar plucks and Ocean’s mesmerizing vocals. The song explores the lasting impact of parental words on a child’s life, weaving together meaningful songwriting with dreamy arrangements.
The standout track, “Don’t Want Kids,” tackles the central theme of the EP with charm and grace. Ocean effortlessly shifts between steady rhythms and catchy hooks, delivering a difficult topic with infectious energy and undeniable charm.
“Even (Interlude)” provides a brief moment of introspection, as Ocean’s graceful voice drifts through a sea of reverb-drenched textures, wrestling with feelings of forgiveness and understanding.
The EP concludes with “Off the Clock”, a mesmerizing finale that wraps Ocean’s silky vocals in staccato string notes and distant sonic flourishes. As she sings about returning to a place of gratitude and positivity, she leaves listeners with a sense of hope and renewal.
“Ungrateful Daughter” is a testament to Ocean Pleasant’s talent as both a musician and a storyteller. With its bright and breezy indie sound and meaningful lyricism, the EP offers a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of an artist unafraid to explore the depths of the human experience.
