The White Sea
Velvet Elk, 2020
9/10
A Lower East Side outfit fronted by Diane Gentile, The White Sea brings plenty of gritty rock as well as fluid Americana ideas into this very power pop and garage rock focused listen of all originals that often points towards the ‘60s.
“Motorcycle” starts the listen with a thumping and melodic display of soaring rock, as Gentile’s strong vocals guide the exceptional opener, and “Perfect People” follows with a punchy rhythm to the energetic rocker that also shows a bit of restraint.
In the middle, the garage rock influenced “Little Things” is the album’s best, full of raw yet precise instrumentation that jangles in all the right ways, while the crisp percussion of “Boyfriend” accents the cautious tune. “Joe”, one of the most diverse tunes, then offers a lush setting of pretty textures that gets a bit dramatic, too.
Closer to the end, the atmospheric “Memories” illustrates just how versatile Gentile can be, and “Second Hand Heart” exits the listen with soft, expressive singing in the charming ballad that’s piano driven.
Gentile suffered a horrible car accident not too long ago, but despite that tragedy she’s been able to release this incredible listen that reminds us of Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde grew up on later period The Replacements. Though you may not have heard of Diane or the Gentle Men prior to this, you certainly won’t forget them after spending time with The White Sea.
Travels well with: Jesse Malin- Outsiders; Frank Turner- Poetry Of The Deed