Performer Magazine Presents
Or, the Whale
The Federalists
Emily Jane White

Or, the Whale's songs range from danceable, rhythm-charged country-rock ditties with swaggering bass lines and articulately stomped-out drums to indie pop-rock tunes with bopping piano, snapping drums, and loops of finger-plucked guitar that explode into electric riffs to add fuel to fervent vocals. Slow it down and throw in some four-part harmonies, vibrant organ passages, and rippling pedal steel, and songs escalate into thoughtful ballads.

When it comes down to it Or, the Whale's music can fly spirited and boisterous or topple lonely and bereaved. Hell, sometimes it does all those things in one song. Stories of hope and longing emerge from soothing, stirring vocals and twangy rock instrumentation. The latest evidence of this is on their first full-length album, Light Poles and Pines.

"Brandishing four Grand Ole Opry–worthy vocalists — frequently harmonizing to thrilling effect — as well as three other accomplished musicians, Or, the Whale throw one hell of a barn dance."
San Francisco Bay Guardian

"At first listen I though this may be one of those alt-countryish things that is pleasant enough but that I could really take or leave. But turns out it's almost indescribably great, so I guess I'll take it."
PURGe