Review: The Whiskers - War of Currents

The third record from Awkwardcore collective The Whiskers once again has the familiar touchstones of quirky Canadian acts such as Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes and Wolf Parade; the trembly guitars, jittery vocals and the queasy-sounding keyboards are all in place. However, whilst last year's sophomore effort from Swan Lake (a collaboration of the key members from the aforementioned bands) disappointed, the Whiskers have hit new heights with War of Currents.

The first thing that's immediately apparent is the higher production values; this is a much lusher sounding record, which gives the songs a sense of warmth. No more is this true than opener Cameras, which is buoyed by triumphant-sounding horns, and is the most inviting song in the band's catalogue. The extended running-times (only one track dips below the 5-minute mark) also gives these songs the chance to breathe and evolve; the band's eccentricities have been turned down just a notch (there's nothing quite as unhinged as Ziggurats here), but the band have become tighter, which allows them to navigate the twists and turns of the likes of Ornithopers with ease.

It's not only the music which shows a greater togetherness; the vocals of Thom Stylinski and Brett Mattox are much more integrated this time, and whilst Stylinski's warble still gets the lion's share of the vocal duties, the sinewy Dan Bejar-meets-Neil Tennant stylings of Mattox are invaluable. His lead turn on Only Source of Light, which descends into a twisted carnival jaunt is one of the album's highlights.

War of Currents is the most satisfying release yet from a band gaining steadily in confidence and identity. Oh, and that coverartwork is the best I've seen this year so far.

84/100

(War Of Currents is available now, free, and in full, from the Awkwardcore Records website, but give these guys the fillip they deserve by investing some dosh, and you'll be rewarded a jewel case and a complete lyric sheet)