2009 has been a good year for Noah and the Whale, having played the main stage at both the Reading and Leeds Festivals, respectively, and marking the release of their second LP, The First Days of Spring in late August. Citing both punk and folk as influences, the English quintet have taken a step away from previous recordings adopting a more narrative style of music writing – a style oriented around film. The band’s name is taken from Academy Award-nominated American writer, director and independent filmmaker, Noah Baumback, and his 2006 film, The Squid and the Whale, and have also proclaimed their love of Wes Anderson films. It comes as no surprise that the singer/guitarist, Charlie Fink, has adapted an accompanying film in conjuncture to the album (the film runs the same length of the album and shares the same name).
The album itself displays sophisticated and emotional craftsmanship. It has been documented that the album is, in part, about Fink’s breakup with Laura Marling – a former member - and is why the album possesses no female vocals. The album’s opening and title track, displays an unbridled melancholy, backed by intricate harmonies. Other notable tunes, “My Broken Heart” and the first official single, “Blue Skies,” showcases the bands pleasing, sombre and dramatic writing style.
This album is bound to stick around in your stereo pile for some time – a definitive break up album that can be fun to make out to.
Published by themusicslut.com
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