Oceans Vol.1 CD Review by "The Smith’s Occasional Podcast + Blog" "This is an absolutely beautiful album that’s like a deep, soothing massage for your brain, your spirit and your soul. It starts off with “Sleep” which instantly moves the listener into one of those “I’m gonna just lie back and take this all in” kinda moods. It’s very close to ambient, but with subtle drum tracks and rhythm tracks buried deep down in the mix, it achieves a style all it’s own. The synth-work is never over done and yet somehow never lacking in it’s simplicity and grace. A favorite track is “Dreaming,” which is a beautiful piano piece. This song just really flows. I get lost when I listen to it. I don’t know if it’s a remake or a remix or re-imagining, but it’s obviously the sister song to “Part of Me” from another Stray Theories album, Eyes Closed. The rest of the tracks play out in this same vein, some more elaborate than others, with the addition of delicate piano melodies and more electronics here and there. But as in the above mentioned tracks, they never overpower. Stray Theories has found a nearly perfect mix – a perfect blend – of electronics, ambient sound and elegant melody. I highly, highly recommend picking up this album. - Neil" Oceans Vol.1 CD Review by "Peter Lewis" "John Lennon once sang "Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream". Stray Theories new ambient album "Oceans Vol 1" is definitely relaxing, but you wouldn't want to turn off your mind while listening to it because you'd miss so much of the beauty and intricacy of this wonderful album. Although a nice float downstream might follow a set path, the ocean is a different kettle of fish entirely and full of strange and unpredictable currents. Ambient music this may be, but not without frequent reminders of the colder, darker waters that move beneath the ocean's often-tranquil surface. Smooth textures, lush pads and full-bodied strings, piano melodies that are delicate and haunting. These are the trademarks of Stray Theories, a sound he has spent years honing and refining. And believe me, it shows - this is his finest work yet."