Artist: Freelance Whales Album: Diluvia

Year: 2012
Duration: 52:30

A Critical Review of the Album Diluvia by Freelance Whales

Are you a music listener looking for new, innovative sounds to add to your playlist? Look no further than Freelance Whales' sophomore album, Diluvia. Released in 2012, Diluvia builds upon the indie folk sound of their debut album, Weathervanes, weaving in elements of electronica and experimental pop. In this blog post, we'll take a critical look at the album, exploring the band's history, the genre of the album, the best songs, and the most innovative parts. By the end of this review, you'll have a better understanding of why Diluvia is a must-listen for any music lover.

First, let's take a brief look at the history of Freelance Whales. Based in New York, the band formed in 2008 and quickly gained a following in the indie music scene. Their debut album, Weathervanes, released in 2009, drew critical acclaim for their blend of folk and pop sounds, as well as the unique instrumentation they used, including a harmonium, banjo, and glockenspiel. Diluvia marks a departure from the more traditional folk sound of Weathervanes, and instead incorporates electronica and experimental pop elements, creating a dreamy, ethereal sound.

Moving on to the genre of Diluvia, it's clear that Freelance Whales has expanded their sound to include electronic and experimental pop elements. This is particularly evident in tracks like Spitting Image and Locked out, which feature pulsating synth and intricate beats. However, the trademark harmonium and glockenspiel are still present, providing a nod to the band's folk roots. Overall, the genre of Diluvia can best be described as dreamy indie pop, with a heavy emphasis on atmospheric soundscapes.

So, what are the best songs on the album? While there's no doubt that Diluvia is a cohesive album, there are a few standout tracks that are worth mentioning. Generator (First Floor) is one of the catchiest tracks on the album, with its catchy chorus and driving beat. Locked Out is another standout track, with its haunting whistle melody and dreamy synths. Finally, Aeolus is perhaps the most experimental track on the album, featuring layered harmonies and complex percussion.

Moving on to the most innovative parts of Diluvia, it's clear that Freelance Whales has pushed the boundaries of indie folk with this album. The incorporation of electronic elements, particularly on tracks like Dig Into Waves and Land Features, is a welcome addition to their sound. The band's knack for creating intricate arrangements and harmonies is also on full display throughout the album, particularly on tracks like Spitting Image and Cells.

Finally, it's time for the critic part of this review. While Diluvia is undoubtedly a strong album, there are a few moments where the experimentation feels a bit forced. For example, the intro track Afloat is a bit of a slow start and feels slightly disconnected from the rest of the album. Additionally, the album can feel a bit samey at times, with many of the tracks blending together with their dreamy soundscapes and layered harmonies.

Overall, Diluvia is a strong sophomore effort from Freelance Whales. The incorporation of electronic and experimental pop elements elevates the album beyond their folk roots, and the inventive arrangements and harmonies keep the listener engaged throughout. While there are a few moments where the experimentation falls a bit flat, Diluvia is still a must-listen for any music lover looking for innovative, dreamy indie pop sounds.