Oceanator, the moniker of Elise Okusami, announced a new album Everything is Love and Death this week with the release of the lead single “Get Out.” It’s a pumped-up song born out of apocalyptic and chaotic themes. “Get Out is about fighting your brain and depression when it’s trying to immobilize you,” she shared in a press release. “In the literal sense, all my songs are about apocalypse and love. I think that most of the events in your life that are important can be put into either or both of those categories.”
The song starts strong out of the gate with a heavy drum beat and shredding guitar. Okusami’s piercing vocals cut through, with a catchy, rallying chorus that chants, “Get up, get up, get out tonight.” There’s a sense of urgency to the song, one that the accompanying music video manages to encapsulate perfectly. Captured on film, the music video depicts Okusami confronting and fighting her demons – quite literally. Watch it below if you haven’t already.
Everything is Love and Death will be Oceanator’s third album and one that builds upon previous albums Things I Never Said and Nothing’s Every Fine. “I feel like these songs are honing in on and parsing the same themes as previous records, more settled and clearer,” Okusami shared, “I’ve gotten better at listening to the rational part of my brain, the understanding that things aren’t going to work. I know better but I’m gonna do it anyway, because everything is love and death.”
The album features Okusami playing guitar, bass, synths, and drums alongside her brother and frequent collaborator Mike Okusami on bass and piano. They are joined by producer Will Yip on drums and other percussion, among other instrumentalists who work together to deliver a remarkable sound. Everything is Love and Death will be out on August 30 via Polyvinyl.