Who? Score one more for the Great White North.Edmonton, Alberta quintet the Whitsundays — Paul Arnusch(vocals/percussion), Dave Swanson (guitar/vocals), Clint Frazier(drums), Lyle Bell (bass/vocals), and Doug Organ (keyboards) — arebusy fellows. The ’60s-inspired indie pop ensemble shares membersFrazier and Bell with buzz-worthy electro-noisemakers Shout Out Out Out Out,while Arnusch also shares his talents with dream-pop astronauts Fauntsand post-punkers the Floor. The band’s combined effort, an eponymousdebut LP, is due Jan. 22 via Friendly Fire Recordings.
What’s the Deal?Combine the sound of late-’60s psychedelic pop with the modern indieair of the Shins and the deliciously smooth milkshake that results isthe Whitsundays. Their self-titled LP resurrects the spirit of theAnimals and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys convincingly enough tobring a smile to Brian Wilson’s face, and was recorded on main WhitArnusch’s collection of vintage equipment, including guitars, Rhodesand Wurlitzers. Arnusch’s whisper voice reigns over subtle, sneakyhooks, murmuring romanticized lyrics throughout. The group even snagsthe emo vote with raucous romp “Antisocial,” an ode to unrequitedromance.
Fun Fact: Arnusch has a tendency forsleepwalking that only becomes more frequent while on tour. “Once Iwoke up standing in the parking lot of our motel, by the highway inSudbury, Ontario, still in my underwear,” he tells SPIN.com. “On theway back from the East we happened to stay at the same motel and sureenough, I was out and about that night too.”
Now Hear This:
The Whitsundays – “Sorry James” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
The Whitsundays at MySpace
Talk: Are the Whitsundays a worthy flashback or just modern-day posers?
