Review: Victoria Nugent
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The latest offering from Brit indie folk rockers Noah And The Whale reached my ears at just the right time, as this collection of laidback yet catchy tunes is capable of bringing sunshine to chilly winter days. Last Night On Earth is the band’s third album, and represents a distinct departure from their previous folky style to much more radio friendly pop territory. Although this may upset some of the band’s older fans, the album itself is thoroughly enjoyable and almost ridiculously catchy. Every song tells a story, with Charlie Fink’s husky vocals guiding the listener through a set of anecdotes representing a series of relatable experiences. The cheery tunes have a dark edge which saves them from being bubblegum pop |
and plants them firmly in the category of music that quickly grows on you. Fink’s vocals are competent, if not remarkable, while the instruments provide a firm base for a string of intensely likeable songs. Song after song, I found myself quickly singing along and becoming more and more fond of the band’s cheery rock repertoire.
The album launches with the bizarrely titled “Life is Life”, an escapist pop ballad with plenty of synth, well deployed riffs and a hopeful chorus that seems to have a few 80s influence.
“Tonight’s the Kind of Night” strips things right back instrumentally, eschewing the electro sound for a piano led pop number that practically drips optimism as the token song about the possibilities of a night out.
Lead single “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N” is a catchy and witty tune that has been attracting Triple J airplay and for good reason. There’s something about this song that is infectious with its clever lyrics, storytelling tendency and its cheery chant-along chorus.
“Give It All Back” is a reminiscence on the experience of being in a teenage band that is likely to strike a chord with anyone who shared a similar experience. The song starts with cheery glockenspiel and continues with bouncy keys, strong riffs, striking bass and a simplistic but catchy chorus.
“Just Me Before We Met” is a cute little burst of nostalgic folk about life about your current partner, feature a electronic beat and some strings for good measure.
“Waiting For My Chance To Come” was featured on British television series Skins and is an uplifting, hopeful sounding tune with a rich mix of cheery violin, acoustic guitar and upbeat vocals. This is undoubtedly one of the shining stars of the album and is the kind of tune that finishes all too soon and had me hitting the repeat button.
“The Line” starts with some techno beats and is a much more melancholy song, with an oddly soaring chorus.
“Old Joy” starts as a slow pop lament with the addition of a gospel choir in the chorus catapulting it into a cheery gospel sound that wouldn’t be out of place in one of the Sister Act movies.
This album may be short on introspective moments but its energy and cheery tunes make it very difficult to dislike. The lyrics often lack depth (“baby, she’s a wild thing, yeah” being one example) and often have a hint of corniness ( “ I live my life like a diamond, bright and hard like a diamond”) , but this is made up for by their undeniable catchiness. The songs have a sense of youth and vibrancy, and I would be unsurprised if this album was to catapult Noah and the Whale towards mainstream success.
Tracklist:
01. Life is Life
02. Tonight’s The Kind of Night
03. L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N
04. Wild Thing
05. Give It All Back
06. Just Before We Met
07. Paradise Stars
08. Waiting For My Chance To Come
09. The Line
10. Old Joy
Review: Victoria Nugent
– Last Night On Earth – Noah & The Whale
More articles by Victoria Nugent:
* Rocketsmiths “The Bones” – Album Review
* Angus and Julia Stone @ The Tivoli, Brisbane – 25 September 2010 with Luluc – Live Review
* Bonfire Nights “Bonfire Nights” EP Review
* Bec Plath “At The End of the Night” – Single Review
* More article by Victoria Nugent