White Lies - To Lose My Life

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 30 / 1 / 2009

---

Review

White Lies are a London three piece and consists of Henry McVeigh (vocals, keryboards and guitars), Charles Cave (bass guitar) and Jack Brown (drums). The band are just three singles old now, but it is easy to see why they have become so instantly popular and this debut album went straight in at no 1 in the album charts. Its three members have, however, had some training beforehand. They were all in Fear of Flying who released two limited singles on small labels, which are now very sought after. ‘Death’, their second single, opens the album. It is a song so great that it wouldn't surprise me if it was given a re-release soon. Anthemic in sound, it has a massive bass line and an uncanny, eerie vocal, from Harry that pulls its listener in. An orchestra just adds power, and, a song about the dark and fears that get a hold of you, it has a ‘80s Killers-style vibe. ‘To Lose My Life’, the title track and their third single, is the catchiest song I have heard in ages and an instant classic. ‘A Place to Hide’ has a commanding Julian Cope-style vocal, while the bass line recalls that of Tony Linehan from the Mighty Lemon Drops and the chorus is reminiscent of the Killers. ‘Fifty on Our Foreheads’ is a slow burner, with a New Order/Cure flow to it and very lush. ‘Unfinished Business’ was a number one single. Another slow burner, Harry sounds on it like Julian Cope doing his best Scott Walker impression but with added fire behind him. It once again has a 1980s feel. ‘E.S.T.’ sounds like a funeral march, and is a combination of Joy Division and the Teardrop ‘Explodes, with a touch of a gothic U2 also thrown in. ‘From the Stars’ is a perfectly-delivered slow number. ‘Farewell to the Playground’ was remixed on one of the 7 inch B sides of ‘To Lose Your Life’. There it was murdered, but here it is another anthem and a song to dance to. ‘Nothing to Give’ has the feel of an album closer feel to it. It is mean, moody and brilliant, like classic Scott Walker. ‘The Price of Love’ in fact closes this debut album, and very dark but a perfect finish, sounds like the Bunnymen at their best. A call to arms and a complete celebration of love ! Perfect ! Album of the month. In fact correction. Album of the year already!

Track Listing:-

1 Death
2 To Lose My Life
3 A Place To Hide
4 Fifty On Our Foreheads
5 Unfinished Business
6 E.S.T.
7 From The Stars
8 Farewell To The Fairground
9 Nothing To Give
10 The Price Of Love

Band Links:-

https://www.whitelies.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WhiteLies/
https://twitter.com/whiteliesmusic