Said The Whale | Islands Disappear
Vancouver’s Said The Whale have recently released their new record, Islands Disappear, and it has been a fantastic record to delve into for someone (like me) who has spent the last four years away from the Terminal City. Much like their previous work, Islands Disappear is rooted in the geography of Canada and, in particular, Vancouver.
While I wasn’t home for the massive storm that tore apart Stanley Park, it’s nice to have a human response (as opposed to the internet headlines I had at the time) to the event in the form of Black Day In December, a song depicting a foray into the park during the storm. False Creek Change and BC Orienteering are other songs that really encapsulate a lot of modern Vancouver life. The city forms so much of this record that it really is perfectly timed for me: “Welcome back to Vancouver, here’s what’s been going on while you were away.”
That’s not to say the whole record is Vancouver-centric. In fact, the record manages to document little moments captured across a whole lot of the country. In every instance, Said The Whale bring the listener right into their songs and stories which makes the personal experience of the songwriter become, if only momentarily, the experience of the listener as well. And that is what has really impressed me about this record: the growth this band has shown in a relatively short period of time. While the early EPs were full of energy and ideas, it seems now that the band has coalesced into a tight songwriting unit. They may not be there quite yet, but Said The Whale are certainly threatening to become some of this country’s finest songwriters.
Download
Said The Whale – The Gift Of A Black Heart
Islands Disappear is out now on Hidden Pony. The band will be officially launching the record with two shows in Vancouver on November 25th at St. James Hall on 10th Avenue. The 5pm show is all ages while the 8pm show is for the grown-ups. Hannah Georgas will be supporting.
November 16th, 2009 20:37
Hey Sean, speaking of Vancouver artists, have you heard any of Dan Mangan’s stuff since you’ve been back? You a fan? He puts on a great live show – I highly recommend!
Also, welcome back to Van! I’m sure I’ll run in to you at a show sometime.
Rachel
November 17th, 2009 15:46
I’ve heard a few Dan Mangan songs (I think he might the friend of a friend, actually) and like them enough I suppose. But they aren’t blowing me away. I have heard lots of great things about his shows though so I am going to check him out at some point.
November 25th, 2009 17:37
So, off the back of this, I bought the Said the Whale album, in the mail as I type. Haven’t had the chance to hear what they are about – but I have a feeling they are pretty alright…
November 25th, 2009 23:51
Sweet, hope you enjoy it, Matt. Just got back from there show in Vancouver and I was pretty impressed with them live! Review coming tomorrow sometime.