Ocean Colour Scene

Ocean Colour Scene head to Ulster Hall, Belfast, on 15 November 2026. Formed in Birmingham in 1989, the band first rode the early‑90s baggy and indie currents before tightening their writing into a more direct, song‑driven rock that folds in britpop, blues rock and a streak of English soul. Built around Simon Fowler, Steve Cradock and Oscar Harrison, OCS sharpened their identity alongside Paul Weller and on the road with Oasis, then hit their stride with Moseley Shoals (1996), Marchin’ Already (1997) and One from the Modern (1999). On stage, their blend comes through in melodic refrains, crisp guitars and supple rhythms, all underpinned by a clear mod influence. The later records — from Mechanical Wonder and North Atlantic Drift to A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad, On the Leyline, Saturday and Painting — show a steady taste for concise rock songs coloured by pub‑rock energy, discreet psych touches and a sixties lineage. Expect a catalogue‑spanning set built on tight arrangements and unfussy hooks.