![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Freelance-Final-1.jpg\" "\\"Freelance")
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Photos:\u00a0 Greg Lawler<\/a><\/p>\n We caught the young band, Freelance Whales, on Wednesday spouting off at Jensen’s.\u00a0 The Whales are a talented, energetic group still in search of its sea legs, still evolving and looking for its own currents in which to thrive.\u00a0 We look forward to their growth and next visit to Cali.<\/p>\n The band hails from Queens, NY, and carries with them an interesting pastiche of instruments (harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, synthesizers, guitars, bass, drums, waterphone).\u00a0 The five band members have crafted melodic indie-pop songs delivered with emphatic five-part harmonies, interesting rhythmic patterns, and an engaged group-vocal energy (just look at Doris Cellar above!).<\/p>\n They were at their best on Wednesday when wielding their indie-choral attack on The Generator 2nd Floor, Ghosting <\/em>and Hannah<\/em> (though on the latter and other songs, we wish leader Judah Dadone could be more mic-focused to better realize the lyrics’ effect).\u00a0\u00a0 The crowd really came alive on the much-played and popular Hannah<\/em>, and then settled in for a solid set of sweetness.\u00a0 The band played musical chairs well too, with each member seemingly relishing their turn at the glockenspiel and other instruments.<\/p>\n The Whales killed it on The Generator 2nd Floor<\/em>, perfectly pitching its laden lyrics:<\/p>\n “And since you are my friend Don’t fix my smile, life is long enough Freelance Whales–The Generator 2nd Floor<\/em><\/p>\n [audio:https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/12-Generator-^-Second-Floor.mp3|titles=12 Generator ^ Second Floor] Like many new bands, however, the Whales wear their influences on their sleeves.\u00a0 But the better bands are less obvious about their idols and manage to make the sounds their own, and this band will have to quickly evolve and find their own way in the world.\u00a0 One hears heavy Death Cab (The Great Escapes, Kilojoules) <\/em>worship, along with plenty of pangs for the Postal Service (Starring)<\/em>.\u00a0 And with inclusion of banjo and glockenspiel, the band does not hide the pull of Sufjan Stevens.\u00a0 Regarding the latter, the band has regretfully crossed the line on Broken Horse<\/em> and directly copied Stevens’ melody and motif in Steven’s masterwork, Casimir Pulaski <\/em>(listen for yourself below).\u00a0 Come on Whales!<\/p>\n We trust the Freelance Whales will find their own waters to swim in before their next outing.\u00a0 If not, they may find themselves breached on some barren beach.<\/p>\n Sufjan Stevens–Casimir Pulaski<\/em><\/p>\n [audio:https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/10-Casimir-Pulaski-Day.mp3|titles=10 Casimir Pulaski Day]<\/em><\/p>\n Freelance Whales–Broken Horse<\/em><\/p>\n[audio:https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/07-Broken-Horse.mp3|titles=07 Broken Horse]\n
\nI would ask that you lower me down slow
\nAnd tell the man in the black cloak
\nHe doesn’t need to trouble his good soul
\nWith those latin conjugations
\nAnd if it’s all the same to them
\nYou should tell your gathering friends
\nPlease not to purse their faces grim
\nOn such a lovely sunday<\/p>\n
\nWe will put this flesh into the ground again”<\/p>\n
\n<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thelefortreport.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Watercolorscrop-700x411.jpg\" "\\"Watercolorscrop\\"")
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