Customer Reviews

The First Days of Spring

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Newly introduced to the band but couldn't stop listening once I heard the album on their MySpace page (with a link for a free download of The First Days of Spring). It's a very hushed, clean and almost turn-of-the-20th century sound with vocals at the forefront. The instrumental is not just background noise for the vocals though, but is melodic and full of immediate hooks created by lots of violin, acoustic guitar, some drums and distorted piano. Has the general tempo of Iron and Wine, raspiness of Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard or Andrew Bird and here and there a brass section ala Beirut. Love of an orchestra is brilliant - it has a real choir and is big, upbeat and fun. The overall atmosphere is consistent between songs but every song sounds different by using a unique set of instruments. Great sound and vocals are the strong suit of the album. The theme is being newly broken hearted after a relationship that sounds like it simply faded. It's the theme for every single song, but well-crafted and mature lyrics save things from being cloying. Unfortunately, this is where for me the album lost a star - the lyrics let you relate only on the level of a failed romantic relationship (Blue Skies; Love of an Orchestra and The First Days of Spring being about the energy of ones "old" self returning). If the theme of the album doesn't sound like something for you, at least consider Love of an Orchestra - it's a sonically-interesting mischievous song with funny lyrics and instant-good mood vibe.

I heard this first at [...]. I cannot hope to review it as poetically as the reviewer there did, but I'll give it a shot.

This album is a soundtrack to heartache. The soaring strings soar upward in hope then at the peak become tinged with sadness and chords that border on chaos before resolving again. It must be listened to in its entirety, from start to finish. It tells a tale of breakup and all the phases of grief, denial and finally acceptance that go with it. The vocals are unabashed and sometimes feel flat against the lush and rich backdrop of the music, but the rawness somehow make the songs feel more genuine.

If you can admit that you sometimes like to indulge and wallow in your grief, there are few albums which indulge that feeling better.

[...]

This album is easily one of the "must listen to" albums of the year. The First Days Of Spring was released on October 6th. It's the most honest and genuine record that I've listened to all year. Charlie Fink, vocalist, hid no secrets while writing it. He bears every emotion he has ever felt when he sings and it will hit you straight in the heart. Who knew that a band can make such depressing music sound so gorgeous? While listening to it, it traps you in a love story of a broken heart and it forces you to listen to the whole record to know the the outcome.

DIRECT LINK: [...]

While their first album was fun drive around and sing along music. This one is a more personal album that deals with loss and emotion. The music is still great and its definitely worth buying. One of the best albums of 09(so far).

Read other reviews before i purchased this. the more i listen to this the more i love it. it is soulful and you can feel his pain. it is very moving!

I heard about Noah and the Whale from a friend of mine, and so I checked them out. I absolutely love this whole album, but my favorite song from it is "Love of an Orchestra." The sound of an orchestra warming up and tuning leads up to the song. Sad songs and happy songs mix to leave the listener longing for those first days of spring - with their big puffy clouds, warm air, and no worries.

an amazingly beautiful album, not just for those who have been heartbroken, but for those who are hopeful too. buy this album, give it a listen, begin to love it.
not to mention the actual band members are all wonderful, talented, and warmly welcoming gentlemen. so support them and their artistry and give your ears (and your heart) a treat!

This is one of those special albums that you can sit and reflect with. Sure it's not everyone's cup of tea, but as an album in a genere of indie-folk this really hits the mark. Beautiful dark brooding music with glimpses of optimisim throughout. In a touring band that plays our own brand of indie-folk, over the New Zealand just summer past we all fell in love with this album, it's got something for everyone...love the classical arrangements. Give me the love of an orchestra - heart breaking!

When I ordered "The First Days of Spring," I expected it to be the CD+DVD edition, since the product description said so. When I received the product, I was dismayed to discover that it was only the audio CD! There was no DVD at all, and I was really looking forward to seeing it after viewing the trailer. Why include in the product description that there's both a CD and DVD when there isn't?? Buy this album if you only want the CD, because it's very calming and peaceful. It's a bit more melancholy and reflective as compared to Noah and the Whale's first album, but very lovely indeed, with more instrumentation. DON'T buy this album if you want the DVD, buy the deluxe version instead!

I'm a huge fan of the band! Sadly, i cannot find there movie, first day of spring anywhere! I can only find the music side of it. I did download the free song, its so touching! I've heard the song several times before, but its good to finally own it! :) Gosh, i need to find the cd/dvd combo somewhere!!!