The songs on Whitney’s sophomore record sound like they’ve been around for… well… forever. This sense of familiarity is comforting, especially in an age where things tend to change faster than a Skrull warrior. (Hey guys, I finally saw Captain Marvel!) It’s also perfect seasonally, as there’s a crispness developing in the air just in time for school to get back in session – familiarity is half of nostalgia, after all, and there’s nothing more nostalgic than a summer coming to an end.
Simply put, Whitney exist in a realm where music is still the way it used to be. I’m not speaking from a jaded place here, it’s just everything on Forever Turned Around sounds organic and true. The same affinity people have for records – physical, vinyl records – like Pet Sounds and AbbeyRoad, I imagine people will have for Whitney’s LPs years down the line.
The focus, rightfully, is on the songwriting, not the tricks and flourishes a lot of producers can get carried away with. But like most modern bands who take influence from Beach Boys-era pop and the like, the limited vocal range can quickly become the songs’ kryptonite. Fuck, another superhero reference…look at me go… where was I? Oh, yes. Despite the musicianship being pitch-perfect, there’s only so many modern male singers who can sing in that higher register and fully captivate for an entire record. Which ultimately amounts to a record that’s more or less half-interesting.
Fans of their delightful debut, Light Upon the Lake, will find a lot to love here. But they won’t find a lot of new ground. By the end of Forever Turned Around, I found myself thinking of Mumford and Sons’ sophomore record: “Clearly you can do this, but what else can you do? Where is this going?” Forever Turned Around absolutely oozes with talent; it’s just a bit one-note. Time will tell whether they will branch out and take some risks, or keep on touting familiarity. Can’t really blame ‘em either way – familiarity may breed contempt, but it sure as shit feels good sometimes too.
Haiku Review
Whitney takes cues from
Bands of yore, but these ten songs
Leave you a bit bored
Listen to Whitney on Spotify and Apple Music.
