For Ocean Grove, Oddworld was never meant to be just another album title.
Long before it became the name of Ocean Grove‘s acclaimed 2024 record, it was the phrase they used whenever someone inevitably asked what genre they played.
Rather than trying to squeeze themselves into one category, the Melbourne outfit simply answered with “Oddworld Music”, a philosophy that has now become the foundation of everything they do.
Ahead of the Oddworld Underground Australian Tour, we caught up with guitarist and primary songwriter Sam Bassal to talk about the band’s identity, the return to headline shows, nu metal, touring with Limp Bizkit and why he’s happier measuring success differently these days.
Fly Away video
“I think the fact that we even called the album Oddworld was based on quite a few years ago,” Bassal explains.
“We sort of coined the phrase Oddworld music… whenever people would ask us, which would be a common question of what genre are you, we would say Oddworld music.”
For Bassal, the phrase perfectly captures Ocean Grove’s refusal to stay in one lane.
“Oddworld is… a statement… of what we believe to sort of sum up the band’s identity.”
That freedom has seen Ocean Grove jump between crushing nu metal, alternative rock and even the bright, Brit rock-inspired sounds of Up in the Air Forever.
“It was a product of the times,” Bassal says of the pandemic-era album.
“I think we’ve got some incredible songs on that record… I think that’s just another big part of what Ocean Grove is to me.”
Silver Lining video
With the band spending the past two years bouncing between support slots for acts including Poppy and Thornhill, this month’s Australian headline run feels like a welcome homecoming.
“We were so fortunate in 2018… to tour with Limp Bizkit, it was just incredible… something you don’t really forget because they’re one of the greatest bands ever, in my opinion.”
“We’re just looking really… really looking forward to it, getting to play to our fan base, and… playing some songs that you don’t always get to do on support runs.”
The tour also reunites Ocean Grove with American outfit Cane Hill, a band Bassal says shares plenty of common ground.
“We were just on tour in Europe with Poppy, and… we had just hung out with Devon so much. We’re like, let’s come on down. Let’s get them.”
Last Dance video
Nu Metal influence
As for where Ocean Grove’s unmistakable sound comes from, the answer might surprise some fans.
Bassal points to one band above all others.
“My mum went to… a Christian bookstore one day… and she picked up a POD album.”
“It was Satellite… and… their self titled Payable on Death.”
“I truly think that Ocean Grove really would… our sound… fully comes from that’s just the stuff I like to make.”
While Korn, Deftones and Faith No More often appear in conversations about Ocean Grove, Bassal says POD remains the biggest influence on his songwriting.
P.O.D. ‘Alive’ video
Outside of performing, Bassal also spends much of his time producing other artists, giving him a front-row seat to how dramatically the industry has changed.
“I think it would be so hard to start a band today.”
“Back when we started, it was just tour as much as you can… But there’s so many things when it comes to the internet that you kind of have to be smart.”
Despite Ocean Grove’s success, including taking home the 2026 APRA Award for ‘Raindrop’ (below), Bassal believes Australian heavy music still deserves far more recognition.
“I do hope that the recognition can continue because… people love to talk about Australian music… but they kind of forget about the heavy scene.”
And after more than a decade in the band, his definition of success has shifted.
“I think the success should be measured by I’m still doing it… I’m still seeing new places, I’m still meeting new people.”
For anyone discovering Ocean Grove for the first time, Bassal recommends starting with ‘Fly Away’, ‘Last Dance’ and ‘Raindrop’, three songs (all featured in this article) he believes showcase every side of the band’s identity.
Raindrop video
Before wrapping up, he also gave a shout out to rising Newcastle hardcore outfit Feel the Pain as one of his current favourite Australian bands.
As Ocean Grove prepare to bring Oddworld back to Australian stages, it’s clear the band’s philosophy hasn’t changed, there are no genre boundaries and definitely rulebooks, just Oddworld.
Ocean Grove ‘Oddworld Underground’ Australian Tour 2026
With special guests Cane Hill (USA), Deficit and blinder
- Thursday, August 13th – Perth (Amplifier Bar)
- Friday, August 14th – Adelaide (The Gov)
- Saturday, August 15th – Melbourne (170 Russell)
- Thursday, August 20th – Sydney (Factory Theatre)
- Friday, August 21st – Newcastle (Hamilton Station Hotel)
- Saturday, August 22nd – Brisbane (Princess Theatre)
Find out more and pick up your tickets here.
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