Artist: Noah and The Whale
Album: Heart of
Nowhere
Label: Mercury
Records Limited
Release Date: May 6th,
2013
Review By: Sean
Kayden
“There will come a time; Where you
will need someone tonight,” is a line from “There Will Come A Time,” a
Springsteen-lite song from Noah and The Whale. In actuality, the band seems to
have taken a class in “Springsteen 101.” For their fourth LP, “Heart of Nowhere,”
the band embodies the coming-of-age theme. The ten brand new tracks weave
through the turbulent times of adolescence. The four-piece rock act even went
as far as creating a short film as a companion piece to the record. Singer/songwriter
Charlie Fink specializes in nostalgia here. Fink’s reflective lyrics alongside
the band’s crisp 80s new wave influences deliver a pretty killer combo.
However, with the word “time” is found in three of the song titles. Noah and
The Whale’s affinity for nostalgia may not always mesh with your own. “Heart of
Nowhere” works wondrously as a breezy summer album, but on reaching the heights
of Springsteen or Lou Reed it falls somewhat short.
“Heart of Nowhere” segues from lush
melodies to streamlined guitars. The lightheartedness makes for a non-edgy
endeavor despite the Springsteen mimicking. Fink’s lyrics are pretty conventional,
but sometimes an intelligible message just purely works. The record is in no
short supply of hook-laden tunes accompanied by bittersweet vignettes. These
stories Fink delves into are straight from the heart and there is an endearing
allure to them in spite of the simplicity. I’m not quite sure if this
generation is willing to open up their minds and hearts for some nostalgia, but
if they proceed to do so, “Heart of Nowhere” can get you thinking. However,
since the music is driven by pure straightforwardness, you won’t have to think
too hard or for too long. The stories here talk about ex-lovers, friends, your
parents, and not having the slightest clue on what to do in life. These are
classic topics for anyone growing up. Noah and The Whale make such enjoyable
music that can captivate you with ease, but the required “darkness” to these
themes is greatly missed.
On the other hand, it’s truly hard
to disregard the band’s efforts in attempting to stand out amongst a crowd of
imitators. While Noah and The Whale are guilty of such a thing at times, their
songs have a way of grabbing a hold of you. Sometimes that hold is light, other
times you can’t shake it loose. The final song, “Not Too Late,” explores the
time you go from being a boy to man. It’s that moment in time where taking a
leap is not only crucial, but wholly necessary. The closing track is an
unhurried tune that perhaps is Fink’s most heartfelt and best-written tune off
the record. “Not Too Late” is the anthem of realizing the fun has expired and
it’s finally time to look ahead to see where you need to go. You may not know
where the journey leads or what obstacles will been seen along the way. All is
known is the risk seems frightening, but if you’re not afraid, then you’re not
taking a chance. And if you are not taking a chance, then what the hell are you
doing?
Grade: 8 out of 10
Key Tracks: “All Through The Night,” “Silver and Gold,” “One More Night,” “Not Too Late”
Published by Mountain Views News on May 18th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n20/p14.htm
Key Tracks: “All Through The Night,” “Silver and Gold,” “One More Night,” “Not Too Late”
Published by Mountain Views News on May 18th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n20/p14.htm
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