Review: The Whitsundays – Saul

After listening to the new album Saul by The Whitsundays, I was left dumbfounded. I wasn’t quite sure what I had just experienced. My feelings were so jumbled I wasn’t sure if I despised the album or enjoyed it. After some more listens I realized that I had more negative feelings than positive ones. The retro ‘60s pop/rock ‘n’ roll style of The Whitsundays are certainly not for everyone, myself included. However, I managed to find elements in the album that I enjoyed.

The first track “There’s a Monkey on My Back” made me instantly realize I disdained leader singer Paul Arnusch’s voice, or at least how he sung that particular song. While the slow, haunting melodies draw you, Arnusch’s voice will make you cringe. I think he was trying to mimic the slow drawl of the music but instead his deadpan voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I’m listening to the song again as I write but I just can’t make it through the entire song. So let’s move onto something a little more lively.

I wish the entire album was more like “I Can’t Get Off Of My Cloud.” It’s fun and energetic with a pop rock vibe. Arnusch makes a smart decision to sound a bit more lively on this song. The guitar is simply electrifying and gives me that same high I get when I listen to classic rock —back when the music was equally as important as the lyrics. The guitar solo spirals out into a frenzied whirlwind of sound and before I know it, I’m pulled back into the main rhythm of the song. I knew it was too good to last.

Unfortunately, most of the album fits into the mellow indie category and The Whitsundays don’t do mellow well. The songs and vocals drag. I know there is talent hidden somewhere because I heard bits and pieces of great music. These boys need to dig deeper and showcase their talent. Saul falls flat and is unable to hold my attention.