The Whitsundays self-titled album might be better suited in 1967 but even then it would probably fail to move me. The Whitsundays are Paul Arnush on vocals and percussion, Dave Swanson on guitar and vocals, Clint Frazier on drums, Lyle Bell on bass and vocals, and Doug Organ on keyboards. Their sound is derived from a mix of Syd Barrett’s spacey playfulness, the Animal’s intensity, and the Kink’s Brit pop. This hodgepodge of styles boasts straight up drumming, boney surfing guitars, dreamy organs and whining yet soft vocals. The only pitfall lies in the repetitiveness of their sound. After a few tracks the formula becomes stagnant and really failed to move my ears and heart.
As the listener inserts the album to their chosen listening device, the opening track “Loralee” sounds like a night with the Kinks mixed with a mysterious erie pop feel. Surprisingly, the formula works and this number provides a good start. After “Loralee” the album takes a downward spiral. The next three tracks show little emotion and passion. The feelings in each take a backseat to the sappy super sweet pop melodies. They almost sound like a band that’s hired for prom night or is featured in an 80’s movie. The next highpoint lies in the sixth track “Sorry James.” This number ditches the cheesy pop feel and features a dreamy psychadelic sound that allows the emotions of the song to come through and paints a picture through the descriptive lyrics of the song. Once again following “Sorry James” the album falls into a mediocre poppy sound laced melodramatic lyrics. The album comes to thoughtful and deep conclusion with “Whitsunday Morning Theme” that invokes the image of waking up to brand new day.
Overall the Whitsunday’s debut isn’t for everyone only those who enjoy melodramatic pop will find the album moving and worthwhile. Otherwise some listeners may only find the few hidden gem tracks on the album. To end on positive not though, the Whitsundays are laden with potential and their next album will hopefully show signs of evolution in their sound.
