Whirr - "Pipe Dreams"

Artist: Whirr

Album: Pipe Dreams

Label: Tee Pee Records

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

Whirr is a sextet from the Bay Area. Prior to their debut album, “Pipe Dreams,” the band (formerly known as Whirl) released the EP, “Distressor.” While that record seemed a bit green as far as the band mastering a comprehensive sound, the group appears to now be more comfortable than ever. Whirr has tirelessly been compared to early 90s shoegazers, My Bloody Valentine. It’s obviously these California natives have taken more than a note or two from M.B.V. In spite of that, the young group are still able to structure a defining sound all on their own merits. Call it nostalgia or paying homage, Whirr is bringing the dreamy, heavy-reverb guitar riffs back to 2012 and doing it amazingly well.

“Pipe Dreams” is comprised of ten sprawling, seraphic tracks. The band displays a full wall of sound. The indecipherable vocals are painfully haunting and at times both distant and desolate. With the combination of gloomy chords and melodies, this isn’t your feel good record of the year. Nevertheless, Whirr knows how to change up the pace when needed such as with the sublime “Junebouvier” and equally as enthralling, “Toss”. However, the band is at their utmost supreme when they are conveying a subtle, atmospheric, ambient resonance that can become a harrowing experience. The second to last track, “Wait” fits that abovementioned description. It’s a dazzling showcase of deep reverb, edginess, and pensive bliss. I think Whirr takes a misstep with “Home Where Is My Head Is”, the shortest in length song that is too simple and moderately uninspiring. All in all, “Pipe Dreams” is a work of art that may encourage a listener to seek out the bands responsible for making this one all, but possible. However, if you’re new to the shoegaze genre, “Pipe Dreams” is a terrific place to start.

Unfortunately, an album like this will inexplicably get lost within the crowd. To those who find the time to pay attention to Whirr, be cautiously aware that you may quickly discover yourself rapt with each heavenly track. I would like to note that upon first listen to “Pipe Dreams,” the spectator’s disposition should correspond precisely to what this album bestows—a wistful, early 90s driven vibe, and if you allow it to do so, a deep feeling that will permeate through your body and assuage your taxing spirit. If you’re feeling broken and ineffective, Whirr will rescue you from the depths of darkness to the heights of full illumination.

Grade: 8.4 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Junebouvier”, “Flashback”, “Toss”, “Wait”

Published by Mountain Views News on April 14th, 2012

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n15/p15.htm