by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Whitelands are a breath of fresh air. With shoegaze an area of music populated mostly by white males, it is refreshing to report the ascendancy of a black quartet who have been supporting Slowdive on a recent UK tour.

Although they have been a going concern since 2018 this is the debut album for the current line-up, with singer and guitarist Etienne joined by Michael (guitar), Vanessa (bass) and Jagun (drums and backing vocals).

It was Slowdive themselves that inspired the band’s current musical direction, though their diverse backgrounds from rock, techno and R&B inform their music too.

What’s the music like?

As refreshing as the band themselves – and the cover art, too. The blast of sound that welcomes Setting Sun is like a jet of fresh water full in the voice, all the levels going to up red with an invigorating wall of guitar sound, one that is soon revealed to contain plenty of melodies.

The band’s diverse influences reveal themselves subtly as the album progresses. While ‘shoegaze’ is the main style – a wall of guitars and softly spoken vocals to complement – there is a funky undercarriage to the beat of The Prophet & I, which typifies the excellent drumming throughout, and the excellent Tell Me About, where Etienne is joined by the softly-sung Dottie for some gorgeous harmonizing.

Sometimes the guitars form the same effect of a wordless choir, on the evocative Setting Sun, other times there are subtly curved melodies, as on Cheer. The slow burning Born In Understanding is a stately mover. Overall though there is an impressive momentum coursing through the album, with one of the best examples being Chosen Light – a combination of guitar sounds you can dive in to, a propulsive rhythm and subtle, warm-hearted vocals.

Does it all work?

It does – and the more you listen the more the melodies stick.

Is it recommended?

Yes. This is a record to bathe in, a sonic spectacular that has at its core some heartfelt songs. More please!

For fans of… Cocteau Twins, The Cure, Slowdive

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,116 – Wednesday 13 March 2024