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The Teesside four-piece present their debut album, shot through with youthful enthusiasm and driving riffs
Image by Lucy Bea
While Teesside four-piece WhiteNoise may still be finding their feet stylistically, they’ve put together a cohesive debut album which is shot through with a youthful enthusiasm and glimpses of real talent. The Traveller gets an official launch at Middlesbrough’s Westgarth Social Club on Friday 16th December, and it’s clear that the last couple of years have marked a real period of growth for the band.
Debut single Middle Man’s chugging riffs and driving rhythms offer something of a false impression, as they give way to the funky twang of barnstorming stomper No More which proves to be among the album’s real highlights. Conversation’s plaintive howls and anguished, spoken word interjections show a maturity and canny knack for songcraft, while Life In Ruin’s relatable storytelling style and angst-ridden vocal is curiously addictive. Pour A Pint For Me Britain is a state of the nation howl for attention; Underglow sees some impressive vocal theatrics from lead singer Cameron Young and, while it may be somewhat incongruous, instrumental track Message To The Floor is chock full of deliciously inventive stylistic tricks that are a real credit to drummer and lead producer Eddy Mason-Pooley.
The Traveller has a real ability to surprise, and perhaps it’s the band’s refusal to stick to a pigeonhole that makes them such an enticing prospect. Ones to watch, for sure.
