
Noah and the Whale, a band hailing from the suburbs of London, is making its way back to Los Angeles after a sold out show at the Troubadour in March. The indie folk group has achieved success in the UK as well as the States, having released three full-length albums to date, their latest being their 2011 release, Last Night on Earth.
I first encountered Noah and the Whale through their ridiculously catchy and heart warming song, Five Years Time, many years ago. Their debut album, Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down, was filled with bright, optimistic, feel-good tracks. Songs like Give a Little Love and Rocks and Daggers just made me fall in love with Charlie Fink’s voice and Fiddle’s string arrangements. Then Laura Marling left the band and front man, Charlie Fink’s life, which, in part, inspired the songwriting of the second album, First Days of Spring.
Those looking for the same catchy, happy tunes found in Noah and the Whale’s debut album did not find them in First Days of Spring. The group’s sophomore album was filled with heartbreaking melodies pouring out of every note. The composition of each song was so intricate, soulful and beautifully written. The film that accompanied the album told the story of a man and how loss affected different stages of his life. I was fortunate enough to see Noah and the Whale perform while on tour for First Days of Spring at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco. Much of their set was stripped down acoustic, and their performance was so intimate and absolutely awe-inspiring. I shed a few tears at that show- it was beautiful.
Two years later, Noah and the Whale emerged once again with their latest album, Last Night on Earth. It’s no Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down, nor is it identical to First Days of Spring. It serves as another chapter in the band’s journey, with standout tracks like Life is Life, L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. and Give it All Back.
Stop by the UCLAradio table at the Noah and the Whale show at the El Rey on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. I’ll trade you a Noah and the Whale Poster for your email address.
Jessica Du, Between the Covers, Mondays 12-2PM