Welcoming Whitney
"I left drinking on the city train, to spend some time on the road. Then one morning I woke up in LA, caught my breath on the coast." With these lines, Whitney, a 2015-born indie-folk band from Chicago, makes their debut. "I've been going through a change... I'm not ready to turn" singer/drummer Julian Ehrlich croons.
Although only 30 minutes in length, Whitney's Light Upon the Lake is one of the most engaging albums of 2016. LUTL is a true coming-of-age story that witnesses the young band experiencing fame, the passage of time, and heartache. Songs like "No Woman" and "Polly" own lyrics that would normally accompany a lowly love song, but, thanks to band's seven-member ensemble, feel as triumphant as the first day of summer. It is in this beautiful clash of sorrow and new beginnings where Whitney finds their home.
The album's strongest moment comes from one of their shortest tracks, "On My Own". A slack-jawed guitar and whiplash drumbeat keeps the listener rocking as Ehrlich belts, "I can't sleep alone when you're on my mind". Guitar riffs flutter subtly in the background. Lyrics-wise, the song carries only two verses, both consisting of four lines. "Hurts to see ya go but I won't say goodbye again", the singer beckons as the horn section caramelizes the song's final layer.
It isn't all smiles for Whitney, though. Ehrlich's voice has a interesting way of deterring would-be listeners with his unconventional style. "What is this sh*t music?" my Brother asked upon his first listen. Even I scoffed a little when I heard the band's opening lines on "No Woman". However, the more I listened to it, the more I was charmed by the grass-roots sensation his voice gave.
As a whole, this record is an absolute must-have. Whether you're getting over an ex or spending a day in the sun, Whitney's Light Upon the Lake will leave you ready to hit the restart button.
Although only 30 minutes in length, Whitney's Light Upon the Lake is one of the most engaging albums of 2016. LUTL is a true coming-of-age story that witnesses the young band experiencing fame, the passage of time, and heartache. Songs like "No Woman" and "Polly" own lyrics that would normally accompany a lowly love song, but, thanks to band's seven-member ensemble, feel as triumphant as the first day of summer. It is in this beautiful clash of sorrow and new beginnings where Whitney finds their home.
The album's strongest moment comes from one of their shortest tracks, "On My Own". A slack-jawed guitar and whiplash drumbeat keeps the listener rocking as Ehrlich belts, "I can't sleep alone when you're on my mind". Guitar riffs flutter subtly in the background. Lyrics-wise, the song carries only two verses, both consisting of four lines. "Hurts to see ya go but I won't say goodbye again", the singer beckons as the horn section caramelizes the song's final layer.
It isn't all smiles for Whitney, though. Ehrlich's voice has a interesting way of deterring would-be listeners with his unconventional style. "What is this sh*t music?" my Brother asked upon his first listen. Even I scoffed a little when I heard the band's opening lines on "No Woman". However, the more I listened to it, the more I was charmed by the grass-roots sensation his voice gave.
As a whole, this record is an absolute must-have. Whether you're getting over an ex or spending a day in the sun, Whitney's Light Upon the Lake will leave you ready to hit the restart button.
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