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At their core, Deep Sea Camels is built on a brotherhood that goes all the way back to 1975. Schoolmates Mike Dobson (bass, vocals), Iain Howe (rhythm guitar), and Steve Hurst (lead guitar) formed an alliance like no other. They are witnesses to the musical revolutions of the late 20th century, and today, they’re blending contemporary indie sounds with the edge and power of classic rock in their explosive third album, “So It Begins.” For them, making music is about capturing the anger, grief, absurdity, and modern life when words alone fall short.
“So It Begins” picks up where their 2024 release, “This Is Where We Are Now,” left off but pushes their craft even further. This time, the sound is heavily driven by keyboards that are now directly put into the core of the songs. The 10-track journey doesn't pull any punches, taking us through a wildly impressive arc.
“Same Rules Apply” kicks the door open with guitar riffs, driving bass, and powerful keys. It’s an homage to the late Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers, channeling his melodic genius to deliver a takedown of the privileged ultra-rich.
“Hush” follows as a critique of superficial suburbia. It exposes the loneliness lingering beneath the pressure of fitting into society’s norms.
“Guilt and Virtue” slows the tempo, letting the melody do the heavy lifting. The keyboard builds tension before detonating into a roaring riff, upping the emotional stakes.
“Really Mr K?” throws a curveball; it's a 100% instrumental tune infused with 90s vibes.
“Exit Wound” closes out Side A, with a rallying cry to be better. It moves from quietness to full-throated energy in a split second.
“Rock City Nights” kicks off the second half by stripping things down to a celebration of the local music venue where the band first played. It’s pure, unaltered fun.
“An Ordinary Life” brings back guest vocalist Fiona Carter, whose opening transmits a tale of rebellion and loss, accompanied by country-inspired guitar and strings.
“Now I Think Maybe You Know” serves as a cautionary tale; we have all made bad decisions in our lives, but what is important is to learn from them and keep moving forward. The song moves between indie pop and classic rock, delivering true clarity.
“Blast Radius” drifts in and out between guitars and drum-and-bass. The song contains themes of resistance and power, but it's the organ solo that truly steals the show.
“Needle In” closes the record with a philosophical send-off that will leave you wanting even more. “All we see are new horizons,” muses Dobson, before adding, “I’d shake your hand, but we’re contagious.”
Deep Sea Camels built “So It Begins” to be played loud. Each song on display is a masterclass in the craft. There's an impressive range of both variety and creativity, an album that will leave its impact even as time passes.
With the addition of Marcus Houghton on drums, Deep Sea Camels finally have the backbone they’ve been looking for. The band is already booking Autumn 2026 live dates, with a full tour currently in active planning.
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