It has been a long, cold winter break, and many of you I’m sure are in dire need of some new music. Well if you are looking for a breath of fresh air be sure to check out Said the Whale. Said the Whale is a Vancouver based indie rock band formed in 2007. The band started out as a small project between two songwriters, Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft. They released an EP together, titled “Taking Abalonia,” and eventually the full album “Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia” that showed the bands great potential in many different styles such as folk, indie pop, and hard rock. After the release of the first album, Worcester and Bancroft expanded the band to include drummer Spencer Schoening, keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown, and bassist Peter Carruthers. After the release of the CD, the band toured across Canada, which in turn gave the band inspiration for their next release.

“Islands Disappear” chronicles a coast-to-coast journey of Canada with many references to Canadian cities and towns. The second album presents a much more confident band that fully explores their musical potential and creates a wide range of sounds for the listeners pleasure. Their first single off the album and biggest hit, “Camilo (The Magician)”, is a powerful, upbeat, and uplifting song about finding the truth in the world through the help of a friend. The powerful guitar riffs and Bancroft and Worcester’s soaring voices radiate positive energy and create a truly feel good song. Nevertheless, the band is not one dimensionally in the slightest. They can produce powerful songs like “Camilo” with powerful guitars, and they can concoct beautiful, lullaby like melodies accompanied by a ukulele such as “Goodnight Moon”. Other notable songs include “Black Day in December”, “Emerald Lake, AB”, and “Out on the Shield”.

One trend that holds through in all of Said the Whale’s music is the simple way they begin their songs: often with one instrument, or just vocals. This allows for an amazing buildup of complexity that wows your ears when that climax of sound is reached. This trend is most relevant in my favorite song off of this album, “Goodnight Moon”; the ending is possibly the happiest and optimistic music ever played.

If you are looking for a new band that is sure to satisfy all of your auditory cravings, give Said the Whale a listen. They will truly amaze you with their breadth and depth of sound, as well as with their effervescent and uplifting lyrics that will surely pull you through the dark and cold winter.