Since Weathervanes, Freelance Whales have apparently made some changes in their sound. Yes, I can still hear their underlying style, with the bells and banjo, and plenty of added electronics; but, Diluvia is definitely more synth heavy, reverb heavy/echo-ey and 80's inspired. I am comfortable calling that New Wave, which to me is simply a rejuvenated 80's influence thrown into a mix of sub-genres of Pop. Yet, with Freelance Whales, it would definitely be more of a subtle influence of New Wave, since their rhythmic structure tends to me more complex (while admittedly repetitive) and hook-filled than that "big beat" synth that so often accompanies 80's music. Just listen to any 80's movie and you'll know what I mean. Overall, however, the song "Dig Into Waves" describes Diluvia fairy accurately, with all their songs lacking that clean sparkle of Weathervanes; rather, they are slower, softer, bubbly without spilling over and generally ethereal. I also notice a difference in the singers' voices often, as it is allowed a certain echo-ey room feel. In general, it just doesn't remind me of the same people at times.
Taking a closer look at each song from Diluvia:
(1) "Aeolus" - The name is taken from the Greek mythical ruler of the winds. It mostly sounds like an intro, with lots of "ooo's" throughout. It's a good setup song.
(2) "Land Features" - This one is more reminiscent of Weathervanes, with the banjo loud and clear and layered rhythmic structure that is established at the start. The drums actually remind me a lot of the Radiohead song, "Videotape". Classic Freelance Whales, with saxophones and brass instruments thrown in.
(3) "Follow Through" - This is definitely one of the closest fitting New Wave songs, the synths and the drum beat is sooo annoyingly 80's.
(4) "Spitting Image" - Almost Baroque Pop, with the banjo and constant rhythmic notes. Voices in harmony, the female singer leads this one, and plenty of synth--all things you can expect to hear in this very intelligently crafted song. I can see this one getting a lot of radio play.
(5) "Locked Out" - Very electronica, the harmonies behind it all, with Synth and Ratatat inspired duo guitars.
(6) "Dig Into Waves" - Also heavily New Wave inspired, with the Synth and the heavier drum beat during the choruses.
(7) "Red Star" - Space-ish, almost twinkley, with star-like electronics and Synths. The song picks up a bit, but is mostly slower. The middle section clears out a lot and just has plain banjo and brass, which is really cool, before the ethereal-ness starts to return towards the end.
(8) "Winter Seeds" - Probably the most Folktronic of all the tracks, if you just sped up the banjo riff. But, also a New Wave ballad hybrid.
(9) "The Nothing" - Maybe they couldn't come up with a name for this song? Anyway, gentle and understated, in typical Freelance Whales fashion; where you might expect pure cacophony and jubilation it seems to hold back, yet expresses a glimpse of that nonetheless.
(10) "DNA Bank" - Very understated, almost Downtempo Trance (repetitive)or something; merely subtle, almost motifs than actual melodies. Seems like a good fade out song, but it is not the last track.
(11) "Emergency Exit" - Very minimalist, in terms of actual sound that is present, and when this or that is interjected--the drums or the Synths or strings--they are repetitive. A very understated grandstand song to finish. Maybe a little too droopy to make me want to turn around and listen again.
So, there you have it, Diluvia, by the Freelance Whales. I seem to be cracking down on bands these days, not writing reviews that are as openly accepting or praising of their music. But, then again, if we'd all just get over this New Wave fad, I'd be much happier. And, if the unique and brilliant sound that Weathervanes introduced us all to was not left behind as if it was the juvenile experimentation of a newbie band, while the Freelance Whales "find themselves" or "matures", then I'd also be much happier. Maybe the problem is that there is no such thing as an Indie band anymore, that anyone's influence reaches anywhere and, therefore, bands do not feel like they can rest assured in their own style, that they need to conform too much. It just seems like everyone is trying to make it big, but all we're getting is a lot of the same stuff. Rant over, check out NPR: First Listen, here, for a complete stream of Diluvia. Also, free download of "Locked Out" on their website, here. Lastly, a couple other songs that have been available on their SoundCloud account for a bit as well, here. Enjoy!
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