The Sheffield Scenester

Derby-based indie quartet, WhiteMoor, formed in April 2009 and arising like phoenixes...or something from the ashes of their former incarnations; Ejectorseat, You-V-Me and The Beau Peepshow, they seem to be causing a stir on the Derby music scene.

The album opens up with debut single “Three Words” which shows off the band’s full potential at such an early stage. The fusion of synth sounds combined with the great bass line starts off this track really well and when the vocals kick in, it is quite something. Just from this first track, I can hear an element of the electric sound a bit like The Killers and I have to say, the vocals totally remind me of The Enemy’s music. I love the anthemic chorus, which sounds like something a huge crowd would sing along to at one of the great summer festivals. Tramlines anyone...?

Next up is the brilliant “Artefacts,” which, I reckon, is even better than the first track. It starts off with an impressive bit of guitar playing, which then gives way to the synth and Benny’s quirky vocals. There is an impressive build-up to the chorus, which I really like and when that chorus hits you, the toe tapping and head nodding starts. There is a strange beeping in the background which sounds like some sort of spaceship preparing to land and I think the echo effect is pretty cool towards the end. This song is so catchy, and if I am lucky enough to see these guys at a gig sometime in the near future, I know it will sound fantastic live.

“The Element of Surprise” is up next and is much slower than the other two that have gone before it. It has quite a melodic feel at the start of the track and gradually builds up towards the end. I really like the slow guitar beats and beautiful vocals that make up this song. They still seem to be channelling The Enemy and that is a great thing. Plus, there is something about the way Benny says “surprise.” Brilliant stuff.

“Burning Flowers” is the fourth song on the album and pays host to another pretty catchy chorus. The synth sound in this is just great. It conjures up images of summer, but on the other hand, I get an element of smoky jazz clubs for some reason and I have a feeling that this, too, could be a sing-a-long favourite at the band’s gigs. I think the synth element is quite cool and right up my street. Plus, Barrington’s clever guitar solo at the end is brilliant.

“Lay Me Down” starts of with a great piece of guitar playing. I am amazed how much it sounds like something by The Doves or Feeder. It is like one of those songs you would play on a road trip and sounds quite different from all the other tracks that have come before it. They certainly seem to wear their influences on their sleeves, because something tells me if a band like Feeder were to hear it, they would probably really like it. It is not the usual sound you would expect from a more contemporary band at the moment and that is why I think, so far as I listen to this album, it strikes me as one of the best.

“Remember Remember” comes next and sounds almost acoustic. I like the gentleness of the whole thing; the vocal harmonies really work with Barrington’s clever guitar playing. This, again, makes me want to compare them with The Doves because their sound is quite alike. I do prefer the slower tracks on this album and “Remember Remember,” I have to say, quite a highlight. There are elements of a summery sound to this track. It probably will be on my playlist this summer.

“Pieces” involves a lot of heavy drumming and the throbbing bass line which can only give an insight into how talented they really are. They practically kill the drums by the sounds of it as they seem to be hit with a great force. It sounds great for all the head banging types. I quite like the way they really show of their talent in this song. Good stuff.

Next up is “Fingerprints” which is a pretty dark track and, I have to say is quite sexy. Yet again, another side we get to see of them. It has a kind of magical beginning which uses the synths in a peculiarly interesting way, contrasting with the heavy guitars. I really like this side of them and, to be honest, it wasn’t something I was expecting from this band, but it really works.

“With Landscapes” is the next song up and is a definite favourite of mine. It is another slow track, sounding acoustic-ish and quite thoughtful. I like the slow guitars and the really calm-sounding vocals. This is a brilliant song; so breathtaking and lovely. Need I say more?

The penultimate track on the album is “At the Crescendo,” which begins with undulating guitar riffs. Again, another stripped back slow song, which I really like. It is quite gentle and thoughtful. I love Benny’s vocals on this!

And we come to the last track which is “Chapters,” playing host to brilliant, calm vocals and sparkling guitar riffs. A great way to end what is a very exciting album, showing the skilfulness of the talented 4-piece.

I would definitely recommend “Fingerprints,” “With Landscapes” and for those who like their music more out there and energetic, “Artefacts” is a brilliant choice.

Words by Shirley Bell