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Sunday, September 6, 2009

Bumbershoot The Black Whales Defy Description

Posted by Megan Seling on Sun, Sep 6, 2009 at 2:46 PM

Every time I describe the Black Whales to someone, the band ends up sounding like a band I wouldn't want to touch with a 10 foot headphone cord. Their songs, while jangly and jolly, often sound like a cross between the Cave Singers (who I love) and the Shins (who I do not love at all). There's a little Americana vibe in there, three out of five of the members have beards, and the drummer has punk rock roots because he used to be in the bad ass band the Catheters. In words, they sounds so precious. They sound like they'd be exactly so many other local bands I've heard before. BUT! Somehow, the Black Whales make it work. And I love them. And even though they upped the whole "annoyingly precious" factor by giving props to the Washington Environmental Council during their performance at the Sky Church (hippies), I still thought they were mesmerizing, energizing, and fun.

They're magic. The Black Whales are magic. That's the only explanation for it.

They're releasing their debut full-length record, Origins on September 15th via Mt. Fuji Records.

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I just heard "Running in Place" tonight on OPB's 'In House' while I was driving home from the grocery store, and when I got home I had to just sit there and listen to the rest of the song. I didn't know who the band was or what the song was, so I got online and looked it up on OPB's site. I can't put my finger on just why I loved that song so much, but I did. Maybe it's because I hear a little bit of a Paul Westerberg/Replacements sound, but not in the sense that I think T.B.W. are trying to sound like that, it's just a bit of something that reminds me of something I enjoy.

I went to Amazon.com so I could listen to the samples of the soon to be release E.P., and I'm definitely going to be purchasing it. Only problem is I have to wait two more days to get it. UGH! At least I was lucky enough to see that T.B.W. are going to be playing here in Portland THIS WEEK! YES!!!! :-)

Thanks, OPB, for introducing me to a new band that I actually like, and thank you T.B.W. for BEING a band that I like listening to. It's been a LONG time, TOO freaking long a time since I've actually enjoyed the music from a new band. I'm looking forward to purchasing your E.P.

Posted by KDKPDX on September 13, 2009 at 11:11 PM

I just discovered The Black Whales via a free download song on my Blackberry. Interesting. I liked the song - a lot. At first it sounded same-o same-o but something about it kept me interested; great guitar. So then I had to find out who this band was, listened to the EP tracks on their MySpace page and am planning to purchase the EP and see them live in Austin on 10/28.

I can't quite put my finger on what it is that makes The Black Whales unique either - and I don't really care. It's one of life's little pleasures to accidentally find a band that puts out great music and defies description. Especially when one isn't looking for it. There's so much crap out there these days ("they sound just like....") and it's been a very long time since a band has piqued my interest the way The Black Whales have.

Posted by Michele on September 19, 2009 at 8:25 AM