Whole – Bias (CD Album – Blackjack Illuminist Records)
Genre/Influences: Electro/rock-pop.
Background/Info: Alexander Leonard Donat and Thomas Schernikau met a few years ago now. They’re based in Berlin and released their debut work by the end of 2018. Notice by the way the album is also available as a very limited cassette release.
Content: “Bias” is mixing different influences, but always comes back to pop music. It mainly sounds electronic, but you also can hear some indie-rock/pop elements emerging at some songs. The link with rock music comes from the band-feeling. Most of the songs are rather quiet, but a few cuts in the end are more punchy and even hypnotic.
+ + + : There are some cool electronic treatments running through this work. I personally prefer the more hitting “Berghain”. In a totally different style “Tongue To Machine” has something delicate and soundtrack-like. A last song I want to mention is “Get Away” for its impressive guitar apotheosis. This track also has something punkish I like.
– – – : “Bias” is quite diversified and I think it rather reveals a band in search of sound identity. Several songs need a bit more accomplishment, but especially some extra power.
Conclusion: The debut album of Whole features some interesting ideas, but they now have to get a bit more elaborated.
Best songs: “Berghain”, “Tongue Machine”, “Get away”.
Rate: (6).
Artist: www.facebook.com/WHOLEband
Label: www.facebook.com/Blackjack.Illuminist
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