W.H. Lung – ‘Every Inch of Earth Pulsates’ album review: an unmistakable glimmer of live passion
THE SKINNY: Feeding off the energy and excitement of the audience, W.H. Lung is a profoundly adept live act. These musicians understand the charm of one inexplicable moment of greatness, creating memories shared only by those present, living for the moment, and giving back as good as they can. Manchester‘s cherished W.H. Lung capture this unmistakable glimmer of passion in their latest effort, Every Inch of Earth Pulsates, transferring their live ethos to record.
Since day one, this band has specialised in reframing the allure of live music. They use the palpable energy they experience in front of an audience to create something that sounds as raw and authentic as it is complete and polished. W.H. Lung doesn’t just provide a great experience; they recreate and re-establish what it means to hear and feel live music, allowing this basic principle to guide anything they do in the studio.
However, this transition isn’t always as easy as it seems, making it difficult to explain the band’s greatness to anyone who hasn’t yet managed to get themselves down to a live set. This is why Every Inch of Earth Pulsates, as strange as it sounds, is the perfect place to start—not only does it hold the appeal of their live presence at its core, but it’s a record you will find yourself visiting time and time again, and one that grips more strongly with its lyricism than anything found on their previous two albums.
Naturally, many of the songs sound like big, indie rock anthems, but there are subtle moments of contemplation, too. For instance, some of the tracks infuse notes of self-reflection and melancholy, providing a glimpse into a band merely at the start of their promising and exciting journey. Others sweep you away with their unabashed catchiness, providing a reminder of the simple fun of great music and the power of enjoying one precious moment amid life’s chaos.
For fans of: Beelining for the indie room at a nightclub.
A concluding comment from a jazz connoisseur: “Is this what the kids are listening to these days?”
Every Inch of Earth Pulsates track by track
Release: October 18th | Label: Melodic | Producer: Ross Orton
‘Lilac Sky’: Starting as they mean to go on, W.H. Lung successfully translates their energetic stage presence with the opener ‘Lilac Sky’, infusing the track with their signature tone of excitement and a note of subtle melancholy, allowing their atmospheric edge to shine through with complete refinement. [3/5]
‘Bliss Bliss’: At first, ‘Bliss Bliss’ feels like a simple yet hard-hitting affair before its layers reveal themselves with effortless ease, upholding the eruptiveness of their live appeal without compromising on solitary intimacy. [3/5]
‘Thinner Wine’: On stage, energy and rawness drive W.H. Lung to connect with audiences, but on this record, this freshness comes to the fore in the swirling array of indie-inspired hooks. ‘Thinner Wine’ appears simple yet uplifting and entirely characteristic of all those beloved indie rock anthems guaranteed to alter your mood for the better. [3.5/5]
‘Bloom And Fade’: This lightheartedness continues into ‘Bloom And Fade’, distracting from the straightforwardness of the lyricism as the melody and arrangements take centre stage. The music is simple in the name of fun, the kind you might catch yourself yelling in a festival setting, proving that the magic of W.H. Lung shines brightest on the stage. [3.5/5]
‘How To Walk’: There might not be that much in terms of depth within Every Inch of Earth Pulsates, but songs like ‘How To Walk’ prove that that’s beside the point—the music industry is too often concerned with scepticism, forgetting that the art can exist solely to uplift and entertain. In that respect, ‘How To Walk’ is a reminder to stop, clear your mind, and just be. [3/5]
‘Flowers In The Rain’: Executing with a little more heart, ‘Flowers In The Rain’ is a slightly unexpected affair, tinting the entire record with another hint of contemplation without neglecting the band’s signature appeal. [3.5/5]
‘I Can’t Lie’: Another standout, ‘I Can’t Lie’ feels a little more daring than the other tracks, but it suits this new and exciting W.H. Lung juncture, exploding with a delicate effervescence that will surely enlighten and enliven the hearts of all those who catch the band live in action. [3.5/5]
‘The Painting Of The Bay’: There’s a post-punk edge to everything W.H. Lung does, and this comes forth within ‘The Painting Of The Bay’, namely as a result of the convergence of the gorgeous harmonies and the intricate and dynamic accompanying arrangements. [3.5/5]
‘I Will Set Fire To The House’: There’s always a certain pressure for an album closer to live up to the rest of the album or tie all of its concepts together in a neat and effortless fashion. ‘I Will Set Fire To The House’ not only lives up to this criteria but emerges as an album standout, appearing almost ballad-line with an atmosphere of unpredictable allure. [3.5/5]
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