Said The Whale – Islands Disappear Review
The four track EP “Taking Abalonia” was born in 2007 out of the minds of musicians Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester but it was only after the addition of Jaycelyn Brown, Peter Carruthers, and Spencer Schoening that Said the Whale was truly born. After that, the EP had grown into a full fifteen track full length album entitled “Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia”. The debut paid respect to the many forms of Canadiana and carved a special audible space of home amongst western Canadians. Two years later, their follow up album, Islands Disappear, takes one giant evolutionary step forward in sound and feel alike. Islands Disappear is a charming energetic trip from Canada’s coast to coast.
The opening and closing tracks: ‘Dear Elkorn’ and ‘Holly, Ontario’ exemplify Said The Whale’s ability to encapsulate each album as an individual experience and story. The former contains the trademark inviting relaxed harmonies while the latter demonstrates the evolution in vocal range. ‘Camilo (The Magician)” makes a return from their EP released during the summer. It has a power pop feel with the utmost positivity. “Emerald Lake, AB” has much of the same pop feel initially but it quickly transforms into this kaleidoscope of dynamics; you’ll find that throughout the album with songs seemingly simple at first until they progress into something more prolific. Vocals are evenly shared between Bancroft and Worcester. Support vocals and harmonies prove to be just as important in some songs as keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown lends her voice to give them a great sense of warmth and equality.
Nautically yours, it’s impossible to resist the charm that Islands Disappear exudes. The music is upbeat and energetic. From a soft child’s bedtime song to a far away from home band metaphor, the range of material gives the album longevity. Much like my attitude with their summer EP, Islands Disappear does not disappoint and there is no reason why you shouldn’t at least lend an ear. I was pleasantly satisfied and would put this right up there with my top releases of 2009.
MP3:
Said The Whale – Camilo (The Magician)
Said The Whale – Holly, Ontario
Buy at:
Saidthewhale.com Shop / iTunes
More info:
saidthewhale.com / Myspace / twitter
