Ancient Whales

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Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us

Wiener, 2020

10/10

Listen to Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us

Let me introduce you to a strong contender for record the year, this multifaceted rock experience from the trio of Ancient Whales.

Somewhere between garage, punk and indie-rock, Enoch Bledsoe, Natalie Bledsoe and Oakley Munson are certainly very much in tune with pop and rock ideas of the past, too, and it all unfolds in a charming and undeniably infectious delivery on Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us.

“Stick And Poke” starts the listen with a lo-fi, jangly, fuzzy punk tune that reminds us of Stephen Malkmus but with a gym membership, and this energy continues to the post-punk influenced “To Be”, as well as the melodic vocal work of the propulsive “Everything”.

With 13 tracks and none surpassing 3 minutes and several falling below 2 minutes, Ancient Whales trim the fat with quick bursts of garage rock fun on “Time”, while the alt-rock sensibilities of “Saturday Morning” enthrall us as a dreamy quality enters the harmonic climate.

Deeper tracks like the angular and summery strumming of “EA” and the toe tappin’, head bobbin’ fun of “You Know What To Do” makes for some of the album’s finest, though there just isn’t a dull moment to be found, and “Raunchy” finishes out the listen with some country western nods before settling into their powerful and tuneful formula.

A fantastic effort that will appeal to aging punks who still spin their Husker Du records as well as fans of more recent outfits like Times New Viking or Vivian Girls, this listen soars high with heartfelt grit and plenty of syrupy sweet melody like few others can do it.

Travels well with: Twin Tigers- Gray Waves; The Rondelles- The Fox