Being As An Ocean: The Post-Hardcore Poets

Being As An Ocean is an American post-hardcore band from Alpine, California, known for their introspective lyricism and dynamic blend of melodic hardcore and ambient rock. The group achieved significant underground success with their 2012 debut album, Dear G-d..., and has since built a dedicated global following through relentless touring and a deeply emotional sonic signature.

Early career

Formed in 2011, the band's original lineup featured vocalist Joel Quartuccio, guitarist Tyler Ross, bassist Ralph Sica, and drummer Shad Hamawe. Drawing from the melodic hardcore scene and spoken word traditions, they quickly crafted a distinct sound. Their self-released debut album, Dear G-d..., arrived in 2012 and immediately resonated with fans seeking substance and raw emotion in heavy music.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough came with the 2014 release of their sophomore album, How We Both Wondrously Perish, through the influential label InVogue Records. This album refined their formula of crushing breakdowns and haunting clean passages, solidifying their reputation. It propelled them onto larger tours and established them as a formidable force in the modern post-hardcore landscape.

Key tracks

Dear G-d... — The title track from their debut is a sprawling, cathartic epic that defined their early sound and lyrical themes of faith and doubt.

The Hardest Part Is Forgetting Those You Swore You Would Never Forget — This track from their second album showcases their perfected balance of aggressive screams and melodic, clean-sung vulnerability.

L'exquisite Douleur — A fan favorite that highlights their use of poetic spoken word segments over building instrumental tension.

Black & Blue — A later single that demonstrates their evolution towards incorporating more atmospheric rock and anthemic choruses.

Following their rise, Being As An Ocean released the album Waiting for Morning to Come in 2017 and later moved to the label Equal Vision Records. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating more alternative rock and electronic elements while maintaining their core intensity. The band is renowned for their powerful live performances, often seeing Quartuccio step into the crowd to create an intimate, communal experience.

Fans of Being As An Ocean's intense and melodic style also frequently enjoy La Dispute, who share a similar dedication to narrative lyricism and dynamic post-hardcore. Touche Amore parallels their emotional depth and melodic hardcore foundations. The atmospheric scope of Defeater offers a comparable conceptual weight, while the anthemic quality of The Amity Affliction connects on a melodic level.

The music of Being As An Ocean is a staple on modern rock and alternative radio stations, particularly those specializing in post-hardcore and melodic heavy music. Their songs regularly feature in the rotations of online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion passionate, lyric-driven artists within the genre.

Listeners can discover the profound discography of Being As An Ocean through the dedicated rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com, where their impactful songs are regularly featured in programming.