Our new guest blogger, Jordon Chiarelli, shares his thoughts on the album. 2009 has been a good year for Noah & The Whale. Having played the main stage at both Reading & Leeds Festivals, respectively, and marking the release of their second LP, The First Days Of Spring in late August. Citing both punk and folk as influences, the English quintet has taken a step away from previous recordings adopting a more narrative style of music writing – a style oriented around film. The band’s name is taken from Academy Award nominated American writer, director and independent filmmaker, Noah Baumback & his 2006 film, The Squid & The Whale. Noah & The Whale have also proclaimed their love of Wes Anderson films. It comes as no surprise that the singer/guitarist, Charlie Fink, has adapted an accompanying film in conjuncture to the album (the film runs the same length of the album and shares the same name). The album itself displays sophisticated and emotional craftsmanship. It has been documented that the album is, in part, about Fink’s split with Laura Marling (a former member) & is particularly the reason why the album possesses no female vocals. Both the LP’s opening and title track display an unbridled melancholy backed by intricate harmonies. Other notable tunes: ‘My Broken Heart’ & the first official single, ‘Blue Skies’, showcase the band’s pleasing, somber and dramatic writing style. This album is bound to stick around in your stereo pile for some time. A definitive break-up album that can be fun to make out to.

Learn more about The First Days Of Spring here.

Last month, Noah & The Whale debuted a video for ‘Love Of An Orchestra’.

Visit Noah & The Whale at their official site.

MP3: Noah & The Whale – Love Of An Orchestra (Max Tundra Mix)