Customer Reviews

Animals In The Dark

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you've never heard Will Whitmore before, his music is like a bluesy, bluegrass, folk type. He's only in his early 30's but his voice sounds weathered like he's been around a while. His music is great. I've seen him twice, have all his albums, and his latest "Animals in the Dark", is amazing. It seems a bit more uplifting than his past albums, but the tiring soul is still there. Every song is a story from his life, and that's why I think when you listen to him, you feel connected to his music. This album will not dissapoint anyone. It's amazing how he has gone under the radar, so to speak, when his music and voice are so good. When you listen to this album, it makes you want to go crawl into a log cabin, throw some logs on the fire, sit back with friends and loved ones, and drink some brew.
Pick this album up! You will love it.

Contrary to the product description, Whitmore actually has 3+ previous recordings (all on the Southern label). The trilogy -- Hymns for the Hopeless, Ashes to Dust and Song of the Blackbird -- share personal themes of love and loss, sin and grace; all amidst the backdrop of southeast Iowa and the Mississippi river. The duet EP Hallways of Always features tracks with fellow musician and friend Jenny Hoyston (Erase Errata) and has a more country flare. Hallways of Always was recorded by Luke Tweedy of Flat Black Studios who also recorded Animals in the Dark.

Animals in the Dark strays slightly from the personal narratives of his previous albums and focuses on larger political themes with more anthemic style. But for fans of his previous albums -- don't fret, there's plenty of Whitmore hollerin' style and banjo pluckin' to go around.

Highly recommended for fans of blues, folk and bluegrass. Or anything for that matter.

I down loaded the free song and fell in love with this gravely voiced soulful singer, and had to buy the rest of the album. I will be purchasing more of this artist. Very real themes, beautifully thought out and just damn good.

Great lyrical content, great voice, I would highly recommend this to anyone. Not a bad song on it!

I will start by saying that William Elliott Whitmore is one of the most honest lyricists of his (our) generation. He writes songs that cut straight to the bone. His previous three albums play like a doom-laden trilogy on the fall of humanity. Animals in the Dark however, is a step forward. Though still dark and brooding at times, Whitmore lends a darkly cynical sense of humor to the proceedings. (Johnny Law for instance)

Dark though it can be, for the first time light can be seen at the end of it all. Songs like "There's Hope for You" and "Hell or High Water" are easily some of the best work he's ever written.

Though still mostly stripped down acoustic, or banjo driven blues ballads, several of the songs feature little touches, like Cello, or keyboards. Just enough to make it different from his previous work, but not so much as to feel like a 180

Highly recommended to any blues enthusiast. And honestly, why can't other people my age (mid 20s) listen to this kind of thing?

A bartender in Iowa turned me on to Mr. Whitmore and I've been over-tipping him ever since. Animals In The Dark is damn near perfect, and if you're sick of AutoTuned popsters this is for you. And if you're not, it could bring you back to Earth.
Old Devils, There's Hope For You, and Mutiny are greatGREAT tracks (though they all are) to check if you're wafflin' on whether to get this album or not, but really - just get the thing and let it transport you, open your soul, and bring you sweet relief in these trying times. I swear you won't be disappointed. Mr. Whitmore is a huge talent, a terrific musician, and obviously his banjo loves him. Deserves TEN stars. Cheers, Mr. W.!

Never even heard of William Elliot Whitmore till by daughter in law played him on you-tube. Williams voice grabs you and want let go. There isn't a bad song on the cd.

I have this on vinyl and MP3 (the vinyl came with a free MP3 download also) and it's in heavy rotation on my turntable and also my iPhone. There is not a bad song on it. I've also seen Whitmore play live about 10 times (I live in Iowa) and he always puts on a great show and sounds amazing. I can't recommend this album enough. His others are very good also.

This guy is so soulfully deep, so movingly down-to-earth, so emotionally REAL, that it's a little hard to believe. Traditionally rooted and heart-felt, Whitmore has a deep, strong, slightly gravelly voice that will take you down to the river, back through time, to a place of true American musical spirit. He sings with righteous wrath about the evils of exploitation and abuses of power. He also sings about hanging on through tough times, about comradery and mournful hope. His voice converys all these ideas and moods with deep conviction and natural ingenuity. This music is gut-level familiar but with a fresh and catchy twist. If no-flash musical brilliance and honest artistry are what you're after, please give this a listen.

Real good stuff from a younger guy. Political and personal with great playing. The production is sparse, kind of a Steve Earle dynamic. LP comes with MP3 voucher. Scoop it up.