Or The Whale "Light Poles and Pines" (Independent 2007)

Or The Whale: A seven peice Alt.Country band from San Fransissco, or a deeply symbolic Oedipal search for the truth?

Alt. Country enthusiasts Or The Whale, release their debut album 'Light Poles and Pines', and it has to be said, it's a bit of a corker.

The album opens with the gung-ho "Call and Response", a jaunty number with a cold undercurrent that sends shivers down the spine ["We're heading back to New Orleans/Cause starting now the world begins/ And all our lives were lost in vain/ Now they've got more to fear than a hurricaine"]. We barely have time to catch breath before being catapulted into the stunning "Saint Bernard", which is definitely the stand out track on the album.

Yes, it's a metaphor, yes there are numerous references to the North Pole, digging people out from snow, and etc etc. But it's done so beautifully and with such vivid narrative that you do actually end up feeling an urge to wrap up warm by the end.

It was a wise choice to kick-start 'Light Poles and Pines' with the two strongest tracks because this sets the tone for the rest of the album, which comprises a 50-50 split of great tunes and easy-listening fillers. Had they started with their weaker tracks it would have been hard work to weed out the corkers.

Saying that, throught the album the harmonies are fantastic and lift the stand-out tracks from "rather good" to "bloody brilliant". As do the disarmingly honest and straightforward lyrics. "I'll soon be twenty-five/ Bury me alive!" (Threads). Aw, don't worry dear, life after your mid-twenties isn't that bad!

Or The Whale have maintained an endearing pop sensibility, with catchy hooks and riffs galore, whilst still remaining true to their Country roots. Throughout their album they explore different moods, timbres, and style. And although they aren't massively successful everytime, when they nail it they really hit the jackpot.

Date review added:  Monday, July 02, 2007
Reviewer:  Sian Claire Owen
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Band website