Whirr and Nothing, emerging as formidable forces in the realm of alternative music, have recently unveiled a split record that is garnering considerable acclaim within the industry. Established in 2010 under the guidance of Nick Bassett, whose musical prowess extends from his role as a guitarist in Deafheaven to his involvement with Nothing, Whirr embarks on a sonic journey rooted in the atmospheric haze pioneered by revered acts like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Their exploration of shoegaze territory takes on a darker, more distorted hue, providing a striking contrast to Nothing's cleaner, math-rock sensibilities, which bear traces of the frontman's earlier hardcore endeavors with Horror Show.
Fresh off the heels of individual album releases this year—Whirr's "Sway" in September and Nothing's debut "Guilty Of Everything" earlier in the year—the two bands contribute two new tracks each to this collaborative effort, set for release on November 17th via Run For Cover Records. Despite the imminent launch, anticipation among fans has reached a fever pitch, fueled by the promise of fresh sonic landscapes.
On the Whirr side, the opening track, "Ease," envelops listeners in a cocoon of distorted beauty, a characteristic trait that has propelled the band into the echelons of alt-rock favoritism. Following suit, "Lean" delves into more melodious realms, beckoning listeners further into the mesmerizing soundscape crafted by the band.
While the departure of female vocalist Loren Rivera has reshaped Whirr's vocal dynamics, the haunting drones of "Ease" and "Lean" evoke echoes of Slowdive's seminal album "Souvlaki," serving as a testament to the band's ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their shoegaze roots.
However, it is Nothing's contribution that arguably steals the spotlight. The opening track, "Chloroform," exudes a sleek and polished allure, blending dream-pop aesthetics with an undercurrent of fervent energy that promises to ignite live audiences. Closing out the record, "July the Fourth" ventures into more ambitious territory, hinting at the band's evolution and leaving listeners yearning for more.
While their sound may evoke nostalgia for the heyday of 90s rock, it's evident that Whirr and Nothing are at the vanguard of a new wave of alt-rock, characterized by its imperfections and ethereal atmospherics. With bands of their caliber leading the charge, the resurgence of this genre seems inevitable, driven by the demands of an eager audience eager for sonic exploration.
https://nothing.bandcamp.com/album/whirr-nothing
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mRIpPmxXEsO_CEUslL8dGTp2MlP-r7iGs
