Photos and review by Ellie Albone

Standing on the sidelines of the main entrance hall to the iconic venue that is Alexandra Palace, it certainly felt like a dress code had been missed before attending this show. Amongst the sea of moustaches, mullets and baseball caps, it’s certainly clear that Ocean Alley had successfully captured their target demographic.

The Australian surf-rock band had returned to the UK from across the pond after almost a year away, and had made a massive splash in doing so. Following the release of their new album ‘Love Ballon’ just over a week prior to this Ally Pally show, the band were last in the UK in Autumn of 2024. It’s worth saying that this show was a fleeting visit for the band, as it was the only UK show announced, despite full tours being organised in other continents.

This, however, only made this show all the more appreciated by their adoring fans. The energy from the crowd was nothing short of joyful, a refreshing type of energy that isn’t usually felt in the crowd of a gig. Excitement? Sure, to be expected. But this crowd radiated a feeling of glee, and letting go.

The night began with an opening set from fellow Aussie, garage rock band, The Grogans. Shortly thereafter followed up by Manchester trio, Cassia.

Both warm-ups brilliantly achieved their goal in rallying the crowd for the headliner, and the response from the crowd demonstrated that both bands were more to them than just the occasional ‘warm-up fillers’ seen at other large shows. You know the ones. Where the vibe is totally off from the headliner, until you realise they’re under the same record label, and their stand-out presence suddenly makes sense. But not these guys.

“‘mon The Grogans!” Could be heard from lads in the crowd during the former, and girls attempting to climb on shoulders for the latter.

The order of the openers was an unusual progression, starting off on a heavier side with The Grogans and blending into the softer indie boy sound by Cassia. An unfamiliar vibe, as many would be more expectant of the energy of the music to get higher as the evening progresses, but this order felt right when leading into the warm and immersive flow of Ocean Alley.

Kicking off the set with ‘Tangerine’, from their new album, and immediately followed up with the viral ‘Knees’, the 6 piece act were delivering favourites to the crowd right out of the gate. Fans were drenched in a warm, orange glow from stage lights. Combined with the fog machines working overtime, the stage appeared on fire. In the centre of the blaze, the band played in an arrow formation, pointing into the great hall.

The massive stained glass window of the palace sat high at the back of the hall. A kaleidoscope image, poetically towering over a crowd who were glittered with colour themselves. As psychedelic guitar rhythms and the soulful voice of frontman Donegal filled the hall.

The magnetic and laid-back tunes of Ocean Alley meant that all demographics were seen. From groups of lads – to lovers, singing into each other’s faces as they hooked their limbs around eachother – to mums and daughters, barrier-side, both clad in the funky merch.

Cascades of intoxicating rhythms entwined with Donegal’s ethereal yet firm voice throughout the set were enough alone to throw the crowds hands in the air. Woven in with saxophone solos and hues of reds, greens and blues in the spotlights, the influence of the Australiancoast flowed through the hall, up to the awe inspiring high ceilings.

Making the thousands packed audience easily forget the bitter English Autumn awaiting them outside. Leaving the venue, a woman skips towards the exit, and another couple make their way back to the train station. Holding hands in the chill, they say to each other “Yeah, that was a really good night, that!”.

Ocean Alley continue to do an impressive job of rolling out that good night out. Whilst many artists seem to rely on the strobe lights and visuals, this band prove they can pull off a really good vibe, simply as they are. They aren’t there to put on theatre, but that’s not why people love them in the first place.