Lonely Diamond

Following their success in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2018, in which their song "Confidence" topped the poll and they had four overall songs in the countdown,{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/triple-j-hottest-100-2018-countdown-by-the-numbers-stats-facts/10746010 |title=Hottest 100 By The Numbers: It's all about statistics, baby |work=ABC |date=27 January 2019 |accessdate=21 June 2020}} the band returned to the studio to begin recording their third studio album.

The album was announced in April 2020, alongside the release of the album's fourth single, "Hot Chicken".

On 22 April 2020, Ocean Alley began posting short video clips on Instagram of roast chicken heating in a microwave and of a rotating drumstick, teasing the release of "Hot Chicken", the fourth single from the album.{{cite web |url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/ocean-alley-could-be-teasing-a-new-album/ |title=Looks like Ocean Alley could be teasing a new album |work=Music Feeds |date=26 April 2020 |accessdate=29 June 2020 |author=Wilson, Zanda}} The posts included links to the band's official website, which displayed the album's artwork, a sign-up link to pre-save the single, and a timer, which counted down to 12:00 pm AEST on 27 April.{{cite web |url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/ocean-alley-seems-to-be-teasing-a-new-album-new-single-hot-chicken-on-the-way/ |title=Ocean Alley seems to be teasing a new album, new single 'Hot Chicken' on the way |work=Tone Deaf |date=27 April 2020 |accessdate=29 June 2020 |author=Jenke, Brittany}} When the website's timer ended, text announcing the premiere of "Hot Chicken" later that night on Triple J and the album artwork were shown.

The band additionally set up a Facebook event simply titled "Hot Chicken"; the event began at the same time and date as when the timer on their website ended.

In the week leading up to the album's release, it was the "Feature Album" on Triple J.

The album was preceded by four singles: "Stained Glass", released on 21 February 2019, "Infinity", released on 6 June 2019, "Tombstone", released on 11 December 2019, and "Hot Chicken", released on 27 April 2020. All four singles were premiered on Triple J prior to their official release. A fifth single, "Way Down", was released alongside the album on 19 June.

{{Album ratings

| rev1 = Rolling Stone Australia

| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/ocean-alley-lonely-diamond-review-12975/ |title=Ocean Alley have found their bliss with 'Lonely Diamond' |work=Rolling Stone Australia |date=19 June 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020 |author=Jenke, Tyler}}

}}

In a positive review of the album, Tyler Jenke of Rolling Stone Australia said: "Ocean Alley have not only managed to exceed expectations with their latest record, but they've managed to set a new standard for what their music can be." He continued: "...the blissful inclusion of songs such as the album's title track serve as a masterclass of restraint, with the group experimenting with a mixture of old and new styles, all while ensuring the tune doesn't overstay its welcome." He also named "All Worn Out" as an album highlight, describing it as "serving as something of a fierce ballad".

Declan Byrne of Triple J said of the album: "You can hear Ocean Alley pushing themselves beyond the coastal, warbled reggae rock of earlier releases and ramping up the '70s influences."{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/ocean-alley-lonely-diamond-feature-album-review-interview/12364052 |title=Ocean Alley deliver a Lonely Diamond in the 2020 rough |work=ABC |date=17 June 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020 |author=Byrne, Declan}} Byrne described the tracks 'Up In There' and 'Wet Dreams' as "amospheric slow jams". Byrne also described the track "Way Down" as a "standout", saying "[it] shows off their signature style but with the underwater feel replaced by warmer sounds, the colour scheme shifted from blues to yellows".

In February, Ocean Alley announced a tour in support of the album.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/ocean-alley-australian-tour-2020-announce-dates/11967248 |title=Updated: Ocean Alley reschedule big ol' 2020 Australian tour |work=ABC |date=19 February 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020 |author=Newstead, Al}} The tour was originally scheduled to begin in May 2020,{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/ocean-alley-2020-australian-tour-2610108 |title=Ocean Alley add two new dates to 2020 headline Australian tour |work=NME |date=24 February 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020 |author=Martin, Josh}} but was postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/ocean-alley-postpone-upcoming-headline-australia-tour-to-2021-2628949 |title=Ocean Alley postpone upcoming headline Australia tour to 2021 |work=NME |date=19 March 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020 |author=Ramli, Sofiana}}

In a statement regarding the postponing of the tour, the band said:

"[The] reschedule is due to the COVID-19 situation that has developed at home and aboard {{sic}}, and is in line with the restrictions and

recommendations put in place by the Australian Government with a view to keeping people safe."

The tour is now scheduled to commence in February 2021. The tour will feature Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie as support acts, and is expected to finish in March 2021.

{{Track listing

| headline = Lonely Diamond track listing

| title1 = Dahlia

| length1 = 1:57

| title2 = Tombstone

| length2 = 4:00

| title3 = Way Down

| length3 = 3:20

| title4 = Infinity

| length4 = 3:53

| title5 = Up in There

| length5 = 4:22

| title6 = All Worn Out

| length6 = 3:56

| title7 = Stained Glass

| length7 = 3:47

| title8 = Lonely Diamond

| length8 = 4:50

| title9 = Wet Dreams

| length9 = 4:16

| title10 = Hot Chicken

| length10 = 3:16

| title11 = Puesta de Sol

| length11 = 4:24

| title12 = Luna

| length12 = 3:35

| total_length = 45:36

}}

{{reflist}}

{{Ocean Alley}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2020 albums

Category:Ocean Alley albums