Whitley - The Submarine

From the opening bars, you are caressed by the pacifying melodies and soothing tones of Whitley's delightful debut album 'The Submarine'. The opening track, Cheap Clothes, is a gentle introduction to the ethereally beautiful tracks that are to follow. Deliberately plucked banjo and mournful strings are overlayed with Whitley's breathy lyrics and are seamlessly fused with elements of electronica to produce a unique and captivating sound.

Whilst maintaining an analogour theme throughout the record, each track has a distinct flavour and features a myriad of instrumental influence. The first single from the album, I Remember, is a simply stunning track and highly deserving of the radio attention it has recieved.

Combining acoustic guitar with subtly implmented piano backing, you really are drawn into a place of heartfelt wanderlust. Definite highlights include the sweetly strummed guitar on Lost In Time, More Than Life and Shot To The Stars. White Feathers, Strange Sights has a sound not dissimilar to The Eels and is an interesting contrast to some of his other work. The album also features a cover of the late Jeff Buckley's Mojo Pin, sure to evoke some pleasant memories.

Whitley's storytelling and instrumental arrangements displays a musical maturity beyond his years as he draws you into a world of melancholic yearning with his soul pleasing melodies. It is hard to believe that a record of such depth and itegrity is produced by one so young.

This is an impressive debut album, and fills you with hope that even better things are to come from the young Victorian.

Find yourself space and a starry sky, and allow your mind to drift into the soulful universe that is created by this astonishing debut record.

Suzi Gunn, dB Magazine