Ok, first off, the Whip is HIGHLY underrated. Honestly, it shocks me that either no one gives enough props to this band, or they don’t seem to be getting the respect they deserve. Yet another one of those bands that should be bigger than they actually are. (But then again, there are countless amounts of those, aren’t they?) In any case, they’re a Manchester-based electro-rock foursome that formed in 2006. They ran the semi-usual root of most good dance acts and funneled a single or two through Kitsune, and just released their debut a little over a year ago. See what I mean? A whole year later and they’re just now getting discovered by critics and fans over here in the States.
The most common disposition that I’ve come across is how much they appear to ape New Order. I agree, but I’m also totally fine with this, as they execute it well: “Trash,” their most popular single off their full-length X Marks Destination, makes great use of sequenced beats and hypnotic, repeated vocals. Though a bit repetitive after a while, it’s pretty hard not to dance to it. “Blackout” mixes a slightly distorted bass line pushed against new-wave synths and clean, choppy guitar riffs. “Sister Siam” is probably the best example, going with borderline-technoesque beats, steady kick drum, and the typical riding of the hi-hats expected from this particular vein of dance music. The vocals sometimes go a little too breath-y towards the end of lead singer Danny Saville’s phrases, especially “Trash” (think of the “James Hetfield effect” if you must), but he emotes well. And “Divebomb,” their instrumental tour-de-force… well, it hits like a ton of bricks, and remains kind of a cult favorite. All in all, as played-out as this style of music is becoming, the Whip does what they do consistently well, both on record and live.
Speaking of which, dudes and lady just jumped off their US tour with DeadMau5 and Late of the Pier (I myself caught both acts at the TLA, but ironically not the Whip) and are now making the summer festival rounds. They also just appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, playing “Trash” and one of my personal favorites “Muzzle #1.” You can check “Trash” here:
FULL DISCLOSURE ALERT: I think female drummer Lil Fee looks amazing in this video. Crushing just a little bit over here.
