The trio consisting of Ashleigh Ball, David Beckingham and David Vertesi is what makes Hey Ocean. Ashleigh Ball and David Beckingham had actually been childhood friends since the 6th grade; they later joined David Vertesi in 2004 to create Hey Ocean. They have been performing for a little over 22 years now. The trio has done it all, touring all over the world and even performing for the 2010 olympics. Before this album release Hey Ocean members actually went on their own to focus on their singles career, but they eventually found their way back Back to each other on this album.
The Hurt of Happiness is an album that just feels very uplifting. The album picks up that sound that Hey Oceans is known for. The album goes deep into being vulnerable and really finding yourself. Songs like “Sleepwalker”, and “Mama Said” are more up beat than the usual thing you would expect from Hey oceans. Tracks like “Just Enough”, and “The Feels”, are what make this album about being vulnerable and finding yourself. The production on this album is still very solid, nothing that really stands out, but what i did notice in this album is Hey Oceans uses more of an electronic sound which in previous albums they did not use.
The album’s togetherness is among its most remarkable features. Hey Ocean sounds more unified than ever after being apart and trying to start their solo careers. Every song is like an old friend coming back to join the party. Throughout the album there’s a noticeable sense of like alright we are back lets do this and be like we were before, as though the band is grateful for each other as well as their comeback to music.
Ultimately, The Hurt of Happiness is more than just a comeback record, it’s a statement like riding a bike. It’s been a while but you really do not forget how to. This album serves as a reminder that happiness cannot exist without struggles, you cannot just skip to the good part and that sometimes the upbeat songs originate from suffering. It serves as a welcome reminder to both new and devoted fans of why this band is still so important to Canada’s indie scene. It has been 7 years since the band released an album and 5 years since the band released an EP. If this is their last work it’s pretty damn good.