Artist: Freelance Whales Album: Weathervanes

Year: 2009
Duration: 45:30

Weathervanes Album: A Critical Review of Freelance Whales' Debut

If you're a fan of indie-folk or indie-pop music, then you might have heard of the Freelance Whales. This music group hails from New York City, and they've released several albums that are well-received by critics. Their debut album, Weathervanes, is often regarded as the best album in their music careers. In this critical review, we'll take a look at the music genre of this album, the band's brief history, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a critique of the album.

Before we dive into the details of the album, let's first talk about the Freelance Whales. This band was formed in 2008, and they quickly gained a following through their live performances in the New York City subway system. They describe their music as baroque-pop, a mix of folk, indie, and electronic music. They released Weathervanes in 2009, and it was produced by Greenhouse Studios. The album is an excellent example of their unique sound, with catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, and poetic lyrics.

Weathervanes features ten tracks, with each song telling a story about love, life, and introspection. The album opens with Generator ^ First Floor, an upbeat and energetic track that features keyboard and guitar riffs that will make you feel like dancing. The third track, Hannah, is a standout, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about the loss of a loved one. The next track, Deadly Ocean, follows a similar theme of loss but uses a more upbeat tempo and instrumentation.

One of the most innovative parts of Weathervanes is the use of unique instruments, such as the banjo, glockenspiel, and harmonium. These instruments add depth and texture to the music, creating a whimsical and dreamy atmosphere. For example, the banjo is used in Generator ^ Second Floor, where it creates a folksy and rustic vibe that complements the song's lyrics about living off the grid.

Despite the album's strengths, there are a few shortcomings. Some of the tracks, such as Starring and Kilojoules, don't have the same impact as some of the other tracks. They feel rushed and lack the attention to detail that is present in other songs. Some of the lyrics also feel forced and cliché, such as in Ghosting, where the repetitive chorus feels uninspired.

In conclusion, Weathervanes is an excellent debut album from the Freelance Whales. It showcases their unique sound and offers a glimpse into their musical world. The band's use of unique instruments, intricate harmonies, and poetic lyrics make this album worth listening to. While there are a few shortcomings, this album is still a must-listen for fans of indie-folk and indie-pop music. If you haven't listened to Weathervanes yet, give it a listen, and you won't regret it!