Noah and the Whale: The First Days of Spring

I am famous for being fickle, but Londoners Noah and the Whale have been one of my favorite bands since the debut of their first album, Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down, almost a year ago. I am consistently awed by their intrinsic talent for flawlessly matching lyric and melody; the effect is brilliantly cinematic.

Their new album, The First Days of Spring, is perfect in that regard (and all others. If I’m honest, I can’t stop listening). Set to be released at the end of August along with a film by the same name, the album features a continuous narrative (similar to The Decemberists The Hazards of Love, it tells a story) which is completely captivating. The film features up and coming young actor Ben Lloyd-Hughes and model Daisy Lowe, who certainly look as though they fit the mood of the album perfectly; I can’t wait to see if I’m right.

The album itself is amazingly good, with bursts of bright, Copland-esque instrumentals which segue into and out of the sweet, moody melodies which make up most of the songs. It is brilliant. A triumph. Buy this album. No, seriously. Buy this album. You can thank me later, after you’ve decided that you’ve found your new favorite band.

The CD is available now for pre-sale from Amazon, but if you’re smart, you’ll order the deluxe CD/DVD, complete with signed sleeve, from recordstore.co.uk. For now, have a listen to the title track right here (then download it for free), and then go visit the (quite newly minted) official blog, where the band often post remixes of their singles. While you’re there, sign up for Whalemail, “a regular email update on their nautical misadventures.”

Oh, and by the way? You’re welcome.

The First Days of Spring Official Trailer from charlie fink on Vimeo.