Album Review: Noah and the Whale - Last Night On Earth

Noah and the Whale - Last Night On Earth

It's been a strange journey for Noah and the Whale. First album Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down was a folky affair, destined to fall under most people's radar until Five Years Time became something of a surprise top Ten hit. I have to say that I found their debut all a little bit twee, and had consigned the band to the list of artists I wasn't interested in by the time their second record, The First Days of Spring came out.

And then one day - bored - I gave The First Days of Spring a listen. Since that day, it has become one of my favourite albums of the last few years. Written from a pretty dark place, it is achingly beautiful from start to finish.

Last Night On Earth nudges Noah and the Whale in another direction. It's certainly more commercially friendly than either of the previous releases, which quite suits them. From the excellent opening Life is Life to the driving guitar on Tonight's The Kind Of Night, there's plenty to like here. The band have retained their ear for a great melody but have also encompassed the lovely elements of The First Day of Spring without selling out completely.

Charlie Fink is obviously feeling more chipper this time. "It feels like his new life can start" is the refrain on the opening track, whilst the single L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N tells you all you need to know about his state of mind. If album one was far too upbeat and album two much too melancholy, Noah and the Whale may have reached a brilliantly happy medium on Last Night On Earth. Highly recommended.