Ocean Carolina

Ocean Carolina is a Brooklyn-based band created by singer-songwriter-producer Michael Simone. Simone began performing as a solo artist in the Tarhill State in the late '90s before moving to New York in 2002. In 2007, Simone took a break from performing and songwriting to pursue his interests in producing and collaborating. And, nearly ten years later, Simone is back with an outstanding EP, Leave On (February 15, Lightyear Entertainment). Leave On is a five-song collection of pop-tinged country songs co-produced by bass guitar player, Alex Cox. Simone, a fan of Jon Graboff (Ryan Adams & the Cardinals), recruited Graboff to play the pedal steel, while Simone played the rest of the instruments. The harmonica-led "Blue" is the first single released from Leave On. The song is reminiscent of Gold era Ryan Adams and is stronger than anything Adams has put out in recent memory. The second track, "Hot Lights" has a Mark Kozelek vibe with its wistful tone, graceful melody and an effective mix of the steel pedal, acoustic guitar, and subtle electronic accents. The final song, "Night and Day," closes the EP with its sad steel pedal and Simone's dejected yet smooth vocals perfectly supporting its pensive lyrics. Leave On is an excellent introduction for Ocean Carolina. Simone's attractive voice and pleasing melodies make Leave On a magnetic EP that grabs your attention in the first verse and doesn't let go until the end. All I can say is, I'm hooked.