Single Selection: The Candle Thieves ~ Ocean of Storms

Hide your phallic shaped waxy light givers everyone (!) as my beloved Candle Thieves are back with the lead single from their forthcoming third album. But break out the tissues because *gulpy sob* it's all coming to an end and this will be their last project together :( Sadness. Still, let's not be glum because the new song is a fine addition to the sweetly-sad-euphoric tunes that the chaps have provided us with over the past 5 years - and for that we should all be eternally grateful. Ocean of Storms (listen/buy here) is the kind of anthemic pop-rock epic that will withstand the test of time and still be amazing & relevant 20 years down the line. Lyrically it is a heartwarming song about the trials and tribulations of life, but how somehow love (in it's myriad of forms) can make the darkest moments seem shining once again. The lyrics paint a bleak picture but then ensure that they lift you up & help you soar once more. It's set to a backdrop of an elegiac drum beat and some lovely piano; including some Erasure-esque synths (see You Surround Me) during the chorus that are just heavenly. Add to this a flawless & engaging vocal that is often layered to gorgeous effect with dual harmonies, and the song is a lovely winner from start to finish. That refrain of "only love, only love can see you right" may be one of the most durable, inspiring and mellifluous choruses you will hear this year. And as intimate as those lyrics seem, the whole song feels enormous - like the type of song an X factor winner would get if that show weren't so darned focused on reinventing other people's songs (though in this case, obviously they'd be right to!) It's an incredibly well constructed, brilliantly delivered song - and a masterclass in how to craft a tune that eschews trends yet manages to sound both contemporary and timeless. So my view is to enjoy those Candle Thieves boys while we can, embrace the new album (trailer above) and, in the words of Abba, say thank you (dudes) for the music...