Smashing Pumpkins

So the smashing pumpkins have just released their 9th studio album ‘Oceania’ which according to the band is not an album, but ‘an album from within in album!’ with the larger part of the piece referring to (8th) epic 44 track concept album ‘Teargarden by kaleidoscope’.

Billy Corgan had previously said that creating an album was completely outdated as a concept. He admits that Oceania may seem like a contradiction to this, but explains that it helps him to focus to put ‘a group of songs which are supposed to go together’.

The first few tracks on the album totally kill it! The band, despite Corgan being the only original member, continuing to perfectly nail the sound everyone fell in love with in the early 90’s. This time though, with a more electro-pop feel and a little less distortion, particularly when compared with last offering Zeitgeist.

My only criticism would be, that as the album goes on, the sound is almost too familiar, with certain tracks almost echoing melodies and rhythmic phrases from well-known favorites on Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie. That said though, there are still examples of great melodies and some good song writing.