Whip - Song Song

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Priapus
Format: CD

intro

This is Whip’s first full-length release after some singles and EPS. At only 25 minutes long it barely feels like a full release at all, which is a shame because some of the music it presents is promi

This is Whip’s first full-length release after some singles and EPS. At only 25 minutes long it barely feels like a full release at all, which is a shame because some of the music it presents is promising.After an instrumental opening track featuring a gently played acoustic guitar, a voice appears on the second track. Whip is an alt-country artist, and a very fine singer. There are other vocalists that have a similar style (particularly Damien Jurado, but his voice is also similar to Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow), but by no means does Whip really extend what alt-country vocalists are expected to do, basically sticking to a small range of notes and singing in a slightly gruff manner. I just happen to think his is more pleasant to listen to then many others in the alt-country genre. On the strength of this voice I recommend this debut album, cautiously. The guitar playing is hardly advanced and the songs could have been developed further. The big problem, however, is the length. The songs on this album all clock in at about two minutes and it simply isn’t long enough to really get to know them because they don’t have memorable enough melodies. Just as I was beginning to really enjoy songs like 'Lips and Assholes' and 'Gospel of Thorns' they stopped, which was very disappointing! That said, this is hardly a bad release and there is definitely talent at work here. If you have been a long-term fan of alt-country or folk then this is certainly a worthwhile addition to your collection, but for less dedicated fans this is likely to disappoint you. Not unenjoyable by any means, it is simply too short. It’s a real shame. Whip has done the hard work writing a strong collection of songs and creating a pleasant atmosphere but hasn’t succeeded in recording a fully developed album. I have been playing this a lot of recent but can’t help but feel a little disappointed. I will look out for future Whip releases though, because I do find myself putting this album on regularly. I don’t rate it as a great piece of work but I suppose it must be fine within its field.

Track Listing:-