By Jo Gale
Picture a mystical whale so gigantic, it can swallow entire ships whole. When sleeping, it resembles an island, drawing sailors to its shores and then attacking them upon waking. The band The Devil Whale gets its namesake from this creature, as depicted by painter Jen Lobo. Similarly, their album Teeth catches you by surprise upon landing on its shore and threatens to swallow you whole with its rock ‘n roll swagger and folksy melodies. At first glance, it’s just another 2010s indie rock album. But upon further examination, it’s clear you’ve stumbled upon something great. There truly is no better name than that of a mythical creature for a band that creates such an all-encompassing sound.
The band consists of longtime friends Brinton Jones, Jake Fish, Cameron Runyan, and Jamie Timm. Based out of Salt Lake City, the group released a few albums together (Like Paraders, Young Wives, and Teeth). Since then, they’ve gotten together for a few reunion shows in Salt Lake City and Provo but haven’t put out anything new since the release of Teeth in 2011. Though their time together as a band wasn’t forever, it’s clear the group had something great.
It’s easy to paint a picture of artists the album may have taken inspiration from. The album bursts with gloomy folk rock, wrapped into a lovely nostalgic 2010s indie package. Lead singer/writer/guitarist Brinton Jones’ melodious vocals are reminiscent of Tom Chaplin of Keane. The band pulls influence from other indie folk bands, such as The Head And The Heart (who they actually toured with back at the release of Teeth) and attempts to create their own unique blend of genres similar to that of The Beatles. The Devil Whale has successfully created their own unique electric rock twist to indie folk that somehow just works.
The first track, “Golden,” starts the record off strong with catchy rhythmic guitar riffs, a dreamy indie melody, and even a tambourine. Instantly, Jones captures you with his poetic lyrics that continue to remain just as vulnerable and introspective throughout the course of the entire album. The vibes continue with the following track, “Indian,” and its catchy chorus (“don’t waste yourself staring at the moon”). “So-Called War” slows things down and brings the album to a focus with more serious note. Jones shows off his lyrical skill once again, analyzing mankind’s best of intentions, singing “I’m only famous because I lost the so-called war.” An entire range of genre non-conformance is displayed as the album continues, with radio-worthy “Magic Numbers,” rock n roll anthem “Earthquake Dreams,” and the faux-optimistic campfire sing along song “the Road to Hell.”
“Barracudas,” however, is easily my favorite track on the album. Jones’ vocals show their full potential here, both in range and emotion. The song just somehow feels fuller than the rest of the tracks. The guitar riffs and drum lines become a heartbeat for the song, feeling stronger than they do on the rest of the record. It’s the kind of song that pulls you in completely, if only for a short 3 minutes and 44 seconds.
On that note, my one hypothetical request for The Devil Whale would be to make more songs like “Barracudas” — just a little bit fuller. The other tracks all have their unique voice, and I’m not saying at all that they should make all the songs the same. Part of who they are is the fact that they don’t fit into any one genre, and they’re proud of it. But by letting the drumline and guitar riffs become the glue of the song, I think their music could pack an even stronger punch than it already does. Needless to say, the album left me with an appetite for more, hoping that someday the band may reunite to create another great record.
If you’re anything like me and struggle to find new music, Teeth is the hidden gem you’ve been waiting for. Unlike the lyrics of the closing track (“the end isn’t coming, it’s having buyer’s remorse”), you’ll leave the album with no listener’s remorse whatsoever. Whether you’re looking for something new, or an old-time listener putting The Devil Whale back in the mix, you’re sure to love this giant sea monster of an album.
Make sure to follow The Devil Whale on Facebook (as they don’t have an Instagram)! You can listen to “Barracudas” below!