Customer Reviews

Or, The Whale

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

 

 

Why isn't this band famous? They combine the best elements of West Coast `60s rock pioneers (Airplane, Dead, Springfield and Grape), UK folk (Fairport Convention, et al.), and the indie roots view of music as border-free. Alex Robins and Lindsay Garfield's harmonies on "Rusty Gold" brings to mind Slick, Kantner and Balin, while the plaintive opening lyric ("My dog died and it broke my heart / letting go is the hardest part") threatens to renew the tears once shed for Henry Gross' "Shannon." Here the sorrow is more philosophical than purely sentimental, and the chorus gears up to the anthemic feel of the Airplane's "Crown of Creation." The band's tagline, "voices everywhere," is a brag fulfilled, as the studied tempos provide opportunity to deeply explore duet and harmony singing as multiple singers bend and stretch the lyrics in vocal textures that complement and contrast. Even Tim Marcus' pedal steel adds emotional texture to the words with its instrumental voice. The band mixes rock, country, folk and soul, but not all at once, letting one style lead and others tint the songs with subtle colors that create a somber mood. You can pick out influences, such as the Gram/Emmylou (or Phil/Don) vibe of "Count the Stars," the Neil Young riffs, or the title nod of "Black Rabbit," but the band never loses itself in nostalgic reverie. Returning to the question of the band's lack of worldwide acclaim, maybe it's due to their oddly punctuated name, because it's certainly not a lack of great music. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2010 hyperbolium dot com]

I love listening to this CD and usually do so a few times a week!

I too heard this band on Mt Stage and went out and got this album.

The album is well produced sonically and the music is great.

I hear hints of Olabelle, Neil Young and other groups, the interplay between the male and female vocals and some of the music on some of the tracks is very reminiscent (for me) of the two really great solo albums that Paul Kantner and Grace Slick did together.

Wow! I heard these guys on Mountain Stage and immediately bought both their first albums and they are soooo amazingly good! Not a bad song on either CD. Great playing and excellent male and female vocalists. Though I am not fond of comparing or labeling bands, I'll say that this is a great blend of alt-country and folk-rock somewhat in the Burrito Brothers/Blue Rodeo vain. There is some southern rock influence reminiscent of the Henry Paul Band, and some songs have a little contemporary Irish flavor that made me think a bit of the Cranberries, and a few even have a touch of Jam Band groove like something from Donna the Buffalo. This band should be all over the radio! I rarely get that ecstatic about any band that comes along, but these guys are the real deal!

Item shipped and arrived within 5 days, described condition.
No problems, will use them again.