Search - Whistler :: Whistler

Whistler's self-titled debut sounds derivative at first, as elements of Frente!, the Cranberries, and early Everything but the Girl flash by the ears. But another listen reveals gently crafted, addictive pop tunes. The trio's harmonies on the opening cut, "If I Give You a Smile," unfold languidly under the sun of the song, collecting dew and getting shinier until the sunflower crescendo at song's end. The blending of acoustic instrumentation and the featherweight female vocals provide a good spine for Whistler's sound, which is both lotion smooth and drearily British in all of the right places. Pay special attention to the third cut, "Closing Time," a gorgeous piece of chamber pop. --Jason Josephes