Vancouver, Canada-based rockers OurGlassZoo release third album, Horizons.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by David Spidel

Not only does Horizons follow on from the band’s first two albums – 2020’s Hindsight and 2022’s Aftermath, it connects with them from a narrative point of view. Together, the trio tell the story of a world halted by the pandemic, and what happened next.

As a concept, it’s very outward-looking, casting an eye on humanity, its hopes and its foibles, ultimately encouraging the listener to celebrate and protect life. Musically, OurGlassZoo sit at the anthemic end of rock, yet there’s plenty of variation across their new album’s seven tracks.

Things start in biting style with the raucous Shut Up. I was instantly struck by the expression of the vocals as they float over a rumbling indie rock instrumental. The chorus is wonderfully swaggering and its verses full of defiance. It’s a strong start.

Hey Now! lightens the mood with a jaunty, brassy instrumental that tempers the soul-searching of its lyrics. Singles Home and Burn give us a slow-burning duet and moody introspection respectively. Innocence brings some groovy bass and astute, observational lyrics before For The World To See ups the energy with a cantering, driving electronic rock wonder.

The album is closed in brooding fashion with Spark. The vocals are particularly pleading during its simmering verses and powerful choruses. Its instrumental beautifully blends classic and modern rock, throwing in some strings for some extra emotion during an arresting interlude before ending big.

With their new album, OurGlassZoo prove themselves masters of rock with substance. Through its hopeful compositions, we get plenty of warnings about where we’re headed as a society. The band make their points boldly through a passionate, anthemic and memorable collection.

Horizons was recorded in late 2023 at Monarch Studios. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.