Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Whale House continues to integrate itself into the local music scene as promised, and the experimental-rock outfit has been able to garnish a respectable audiences at shows. With influences like Bowie, Nirvana, Neutral Milk Hotel and Bear in Heaven, their sound remains distinctly unique, yet nostalgic and relevant to our generation. Check out “Citrus”, the above track, which was recorded live at the show by the folks at The Cabin, which echoes that sentiment. Being as I could only stay long enough to snap some shots of We Are The Willows (dammit), I’ll hand it over to Whale House vocalist/guitarist/bassist and PV writer, Caleb Price.
-Zachary Oliphant
It’s been years since We Are the Willows played a show in Eau Claire as a full ensemble, and per usual, they did not fail to impress. In contrast to the naked intimacy of the solo acoustic performances we’ve been treated to in the meantime since the band last appeared as a full outfit, Saturday night’s performance boasted a sound that was lush, intricately textured, and packed with startling dynamics. The lead guitar and backing vocals expanded and contracted with vaporous echo, pumping volume in and out of the atmosphere like a living bellows while the drums provided a raucous pulse. Its always been evident that Peter Miller throws a tremendous amount of heart into his lyrics, and it’s good to know the band can produce the energy to match. The enthusiastic crowd was able to coax Miller into a solo encore, where he gave a memorable performance of “A Family, A Tree,” and invited the audience to sing along as he played standing on top of a table in the middle of the room. Learn, listen, and buy at the We Are The Willows website.
-Caleb Price
Click photos to view.
