White Lies – To Lose My Life Album Review

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[rating:68/100]

For those who aren’t familiar with the White Lies, they’re a three piece band from London. Early last month they released their debut LP—To Lose My Life. As with all new bands, it is often customary albeit unnecessary to draw comparisons in sound to already established bands. In the case of the White Lies I’d say it’s a cross between Joy Division and The Bravery/Interpol. Almost to the point that if you’re not fond of them you probably won’t care for the White Lies either. But let’s keep an open mind because I did and I definitely enjoyed it.

After a few listens I discovered that I can’t really find anything inherently bad about this album. Upon my first listen I found that it didn’t blow me away as something totally different or new but just grew on me. So as long as you enter with the mindset that you’ll be listening to a solid album that’s not necessarily ground breaking in any way, then I think you can really enjoy it. If you’re the type that’s constantly striving to find something different then you might be disappointed. 

The entire album from its’ track titles to its’ music and lyrics has a dark quality to it. It’s by no means a happy or uplifting album especially with lyrics like, “I picture my own grave cause fears got a hold on me.” “E.S.T.” sounds like it would’ve been a perfect addition to the Donnie Darko OST, which given their musical style comes as no surprise. However, this is a good thing in my opinion since I happened to like the music in that movie.

One thing I really enjoyed in this album is the use of string arrangements. I’m personally a sucker for songs that include string instruments and you find a lot of it scattered throughout the album. “The Price of Love” is a good example of this. There is a good variety of atmospheric and orchestrated type songs like “Nothing to Give” and more post-punk/electric-guitar heavy tracks like “To Lose My Life.”

All in all I think the White Lies have done a great job of establishing themselves as talented musicians. Rather than turn me away, I’m interested to see what they’ll release next and how their music might change or evolve. Their debut definitely makes them a band to watch (or, you know, listen).

Recommended Tracks
White Lies – Death
White Lies – Unfinished Business
White Lies – E.S.T.

Half Note is a contributor here at PMA, check out her music blog: the Daily Eargasm

by Half Note on February 2, 2009 ‡ 0 reactions