Lovely amplified organ
chords, keyboard flourishes, and dreamy vocals carry Cory Hanson's
grandiose Sunna through nine segments of ethereal wonder.
It's a very now journey comprised of shimmering synthesizer
shards, ample reverb-n-feedback, and swooping falsetto melodies,
boosted frequently by electronic rhythms -- the sort of mesmeric
fare which gets lovingly absorbed by Animal Collective and
Fuck Buttons obsessives. Pigeonholing aside, however,
W-H-I-T-E's debut is a largely successful experiment in
electronic art-pop, harnessed by a strong set of atmospheric songs.
One of my favourite compositions happens to the the last track
proper, a dramatic, Radiohead-influenced moaner led by fuzzy
keyboard chords and haunted, desperate vocals -- it's somehow both
lifting and chilling. Even better is "Take Me Out To Dinner," which
wraps swirling layers of melody around a plodding beat and an IDM
cytoskeleton. However, a few semi-duds inhabit Sunna's folds, as on
irritatingly busy "Witches Vibrate" (perhaps it kills live) and
serviceable yet flat "Go On With The Gong", but one must cut Hanson
some slack; this record is, after all, his debut album. And for the
most part, it's a compelling work of art, though Hanson hasn't quiet
reached that level that keeps listeners fully engaged.
Note: The CD
version comes with six (!) hidden tracks. Expect, in order,
atmospheric synth reverb, experimental feedback goofing, cacophonous
freaking-out, a pretty little sad song, experimental feedback
goofing, and noisy experimental feedback goofing. I'd say, at best,
two out of six are worth a listen.