By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Web Entertainment Editor
There’s a huge difference between following a recipe and making an original dish.
Noah & the Whale successfully compiled the necessary ingredients for a popular indie alternative album. But just having these elements is not enough and, sadly, their synthesis leaves “Last Night On Earth” hollow and generally unremarkable.
The album consists mainly of light and bouncy beats pushed forward by layered swirling synth lines. Strong and folky vocals compliment simple piano or guitar.
“Last Night On Earth” is undoubtedly a perfect exemplar of modern indie music, showing both the poppy electronica shades of bands like Phoenix or Matt & Kim while keeping the folk feel from Noah & the Whale’s earlier albums. In being so, however, it brings little new to the table.
“Life is Life”—the opening track—begins with fluffy background beats and contemplative keyboard. A quick segue into the verse of straightforward distorted synth, whirling electronic background sounds and empty lyrics leaves the track sounding like a dumbed-down Passion Pit song.
Noah & the Whale, however, did make one good decision—a soulful gospel choir. Starting at the end of “Life is Life,” this unique touch surfaces throughout the album but sadly takes a backseat while less novel aspects take over.
Popular single “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N” employs the choir beautifully in the chorus. However, it isn’t enough to compensate for the uninspired verse of jangly acoustic guitar dominated by a rudimentary drum beat and contrived lyrics.
With this album, Noah & the Whale abandoned art genius for fun appeal. While deficient in true substance, there is no denying that “Last Night On Earth” is an entertaining album.
Diverse instrumentation constitutes a main strength of “Last Night On Earth” and follows on the delightfully imaginative use of gospel choir. The track “Give It All Back” features a xylophone and “Just Me Before We Met” features a viola. Unfortunately, these tidbits of ingenuity are unable to fully make up for the lack of an overall unique sound.
“Paradise Stars,” the lovely instrumental interlude, provides balance for the otherwise bland album. Despite this, the piano-driven song is fleeting and disappointingly reliant on constant background noise from the distorted bass and gentle synth.
“Last Night On Earth” is by no means terrible; in fact, it is a well-executed and enjoyable album. But when considering it as a work of art or a creative musical statement, it falls short.
“Last Night On Earth” is available in most retail stores and on iTunes for $7.99.
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