Noah and the Whale

Noah and the Whale are certainly not an act to stand still. The sombre undertones of their second album 'The First Days of Spring' (created by Charlie Fink’s break up with Laura Marling) have been left behind here and new optimism materialises throughout the album. There is also a shift to a more commercial sound with hints of rock and modern country threading through the tracks.

‘Life if Life’ kicks off the album with a huge wave of optimism; surely a future single with its swooping verse and chorus over a catchy beat and lyrics proclaiming a change is possible. ‘Tonight’s The Kind of Night’ has a leaning towards Keane musically with Fink doing a bit of a Johnny Cash vocal impression, all is forgiven though as the huge chorus builds up and getting your feet tapping – another potential single. Talking of singles ‘L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.’ still stands its ground as a top pop song.

It’s not all up-tempo pop though. ‘Wild Thing’ sees a more mellow reflective sound. ‘The Line’ again takes a gentler pace to explore ‘crossing the line’ between good and bad in various guises. ‘Old Joy’ takes a similar pace and a wistful look at life.

There are plenty of quality tracks on here with ‘Just Before We Met’ having a very uplifting vibrant chorus and ‘Waiting for My Chance to Come’ with a very pop orientated guitar and strings with leanings (perhaps unsurprisingly) towards Mumford and Sons, although Noah and the Whale will argue they got their first!

This is a very uplifting, competent album from an act that will ride the wave of nu-folk and potential top it. The quality of song writing here is exemplary creating 11 mini masterpieces.