Year Released: 2009
Rating:  B+
Recommended For Listeners of:  Joy Division, The Sound, Echo and the Bunnymen, Interpol, Editors, Psychedelic Furs, Cure, Gersey,  U2, The Chameleons, The Smiths, Ian McCulloch, Gang of Four,Maximo Park, Franz Ferdinand, Comsat Angels, Teardrops Explodes, Tears for Fears, Bloc Party, Julian Cope, Talking Heads, Talk Talk, Depeche Mode, Magazine, OMD.

To Lose My Life

The band also features Jack Brown (drums), Harry McVeigh (guitar, vocals). They were formerly known Fear of Flying. Under this name they released two double A-side vinyl singles on the independent record label Young and Lost Club.  Both singles "Routemaster/Round Three" and "Three's a Crowd/Forget-Me-Nots" were realeased in 2006 and also notably  produced by former Blur and The Smiths collaborator, Stephen Street. In October, 2007, Fear of Flying became White Lies.  They played their first gig at Hoxton Square's Bar & Kitchen on February, 2008, with a number of A&R executives in attendance.  Following this, they signed to Fiction Records and in May, 2008 they started work on their debut record "To Lose My Life" in Belgium and London.

You may find it extremely difficult to name a bad track on this record, provided you are into music leaning towards 80's post punk. Much joy is to be had from this UK chart topper. 

And in "Death" we begin. "Could there be love beneath these wings?"

The striking lyrics hit you at once. The gloom infused opener disguises itself initially a slow goth track. But you can can tell these boys are serious as the tension builds. By the time McVeign drops the chorus line " Yes, this fear's got a hold on me"  and OMD styled keyboards are added, you know they are tempting you. McVeign, belts it like Bono and Julian Cope's bastard child. Yes, these boys are as good as Interpol and Editors.

Title track "To Lose My Life" has that new post punk sound similar to Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand, filled with dance floor ready rhythms. The lyrics however have more in common with Bauhaus, an ode to suicide perhaps. The theme is apparent with lines like:-

"My soul will soar above the trees.
A desperate fear flows through my blood,
Our dead loves buried beneath the mud."

The catch line however may bring it all back.

"Let's grow old together,
And die at the same time."

"Unfinished Business" opens like something off Editors last record. The opening bars lay vocals over organs in  shimmering gloom. A basic rhythm drives this song with McVeigh's hypnotic Julian Cope meets Ian Curtis vocals carrying the melody. Another cracker of a chorus is sung in a higher key features more lyrics of dread.

"You've got blood on your hands
And I know it's mine"

"E.S.T." musically, is brilliant songwriting in almost every aspect. Each musician contributes, producing a combined sound that never seems to tire. White Lies generally seems to stick to the basics, strong melodies, solid playing and precise execution. There is nothing special or technical about what sounds like solo guitars, however the placement and impact is quite apparent. You tend to remember when the guitar or keyboard fills come in on great songs and this is one such.  The bassist and drummer work in tandem to execute the changes in rhythm. A truly addictive track.

"Farewell to the Fairground" is this writer's favorite track or the album. A tale of leaving it all behind. They make it difficult to not love this track from the first listen. The commanding vocals, orchestral keyboards,  driving bass and spiky guitars lock you in. Imagine Magazine's faster bass heavy tracks combined with a U2 stadium anthem.

A lot of music produced these days draw a lot from the alternative sound of the 80s. White Lies don't hide this fact. If  "To Lose My Life" came out in 1984 it probably would of had cult status by now, much like "Script of the Bridge" by the The Chameleons  or "Entertainment!" by Gang of Four. If you have heard of these albums then this record belongs in your collection. There is enough appeal for "new indie" kids to salivate as well.

Listen: MySpace  | Buy:  Amazon  | Video: YouTube | More Info: Official Site