It's the start of a new weekend, so why not review a new band? Today, I will review a band called White Sea. Their first project titled "In Cold Blood". I love new bands/artists because it usually consists of a sound nobody has heard of before. It's new and exciting. This band is one I didn't pass on. So, is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "In Cold Blood" By: White Sea
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Release Date: May 19, 2014
The alternative genre. What does that even mean? I look at it as a treasure chest of music. You'll find golden masterpieces, hidden gems and sometimes horrible shards. It's even more interesting when you find something never seen, or in this case heard, before. White Sea features a female lead singer (I love female singers) and she is nothing to slouch against. Boy, does she have pipes. That doesn't mean she can't get down either... The music in this album is a mix of electronic/pop that can have an 80's flare to it, with a hint of new age soft rock. It starts off with a choir of vocals. Titled "They Don't Know", it's an impressive start for unknown group. Your head will listen even closer when the drum beats skip behind the high melody. The bells are a great touch to the overall sound. It creates what I call this big sound most build up to for half a song. They go right into it at the first chorus. The second half goes into this pulsing electro beat before going full 4/4 time on us. Switching the beat changes it up and causes my musician-self to say "Whaaaaaat?!?" in amazement. What an first track.
The second track titled "Prague" continues the use of their vocals and breaks into a heavy distorted bass that is so distorted it enters the guitar area of sound. This hip-hop style of beat during the versus changes again to a 4/4 time during the chorus. They blend it so smoothly. Heading into an electroinic melodic scale for the bridge, this song breaks into a heavy song with synths and organ sounds. Again, my musician-self says "Whaaaat?!?" in amazement.
"Future Husbands Past Lives" is a more 80's inspired song. Her voice is great here. She fits perfectly. The sounds coming from the band is pure greatness.
There is one exception though... I'll explain in detail later.
"For My Love" Is an orchestrated song with piano and such in the background. It turns into an upbeat melody electronically driven.
"Warsaw" is one of those song that I have the problem with. I can't understand what se is saying. It's ok when shes in a normal vocal range but as soon as she goes high into falsetto, I lose her. I don't know if it's the mix or her voice. I cannot figure it out. This song is one of those songs. I have no idea what she is saying. After really listening to it, the lyrics in this album are not for the kids in your life...they get pretty vulgar. That's not to say the music is catchy and well done....I just can't understand her half the time. It's a pattern in this album they should address for the next record.
"Small December" is a beautiful tune. Acoustic guitar or a mandola is backed up by more strings. Her voice is beautiful in this song. Really shows emotion. It's different than the most of the album and makes this album. My favorite cut by far.
The second to last song on this album is an upbeat electric-rock song. Yes, we go from strings to this. I love the alternative genre. It's so intense. It covers a lot of bases so you never know what you'll be getting yourself into. Titled "Flash" it half beats mid-song. This is stuff not done by mainstream bands/artists today...it's nuts..it's crazy and can be very well received if done correctly. They do it with ease.
The last song titled "It Will End In Disaster" starts off kind of like the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" but goes into more strings and heavy drums. This song breaks down again and turns spacey all while going back into that heavy drums again-then turns into something totally different. It's like three or four songs in one. Just amazing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant.
I have had so much fun listening to this album. I can't believe it. The songs change with the album. They are different from each other but that is what makes them the same. It makes this band who they are. Their sound goes all over the place and it's a wonderful musical journey I hope you take too. This is what I mean when most artists should be creating the new sound, versus ones who are starting to go mainstream. There are too many songs on the radio that sound the same and it's becoming boring out there. These folks really make it worth while again. You will enjoy this album....when you can understand her. Just make sure you don't have kids because she drops a few swear words in there. The music, though, will make it totally worth it in the end.
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