IN THE WHALE - NATE N' ERIC

After listening to the 3 CDs I picked up from In The Whale, I'm guessing this is the first of the three.  My reason for saying this is because the tunes, although still rocking and intense as ever, have a more demo quality to them and sound like the band was developing their sound.  There's also a distinct difference in the quality of individual track recording.  The most obvious of this is 'Grandpa Pete' and 'On A Roll'.  'Grandpa Pete' sounds great but you don't realize how monotone it actually sounds until 'On A Roll' kicks in and you hear the enormous depth of the track.

There's a lot happening on this disc.  In The Whale combine elements of punk, alt. country, southern rock and metal to make a unique sound all their own.  I can't stress enough how exciting this group is live.  They've also been able to lay down the same energy on their recordings.  The tracks seem like they were recorded live in the studio.

The theme on this record appears to be sin.  The first track deals with the legend of blues guitarist, Robert Johnson who supposedly, sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the ability to play the guitar.  Both 'Sunbeam' and 'Lake Of Fire' preoccupy themselves with damnation, and 'Grandpa Pete' has its own creepy quality one can only chalk up to severe perversion.

"Nate N' Eric" has a super raw element to it and it sounds phenomenal.  As of yet, I haven't heard a single disc from these guys I didn't liked.  They're a pretty solid band as far as I'm concerned and I highly recommend picking up some of their exciting discs.

IN THE WHALE - NATE N' ERIC
01. Robert Johnson
02. Wedding Bells
03. Lake Of Fire
04. Grandpa Pete
05. On A Roll
06. Girlfriend
07. Sunbeam