Album Review

The Whitest Boy Alive – Rules

• 13th Apr 2009

Erlend Øye, as some of you may be aware, was one half of the considerable brains behind duo Kings of Convenience. You may also be aware that Whitest Boy Alive were originally intended to be an electronic band. How things changed. First album ‘Dreams’ was a decent enough album of warm, folksy pop but what of new opus ‘Rules?’.

Erlend has kept the tight rhythmic beauty he exemplified on Dreams. The songs are allowed time to breathe and nothing feels rushed. The initial one two of ‘Keep A Secret’ and ‘Intentions’ ease themselves into your conscious, the restrained Rhodes piano the perfect foil for Erlend’s subtle vocals. ‘Intentions’ especially is a sumptuous little ditty, even if for some reason it can’t help but bring to mind Simply Red.

Other highlights include the charming ‘Rollercoaster Ride’ which, unlike its name would suggest, is more like a ride on a donkey than a Rollercoaster, albeit one of the coolest Donkey’s alive. ‘High On The Heels’ ups the tempo; crystal clear guitar and shimmering synth combine under another dreamy vocal display.

Even though Erlend has left his electronic programming at the door there are still elements of electronica slipped in there as on the soulful pop of 1517 you get a sense it still courses through him as each song on ‘Rules’ is a genuinely danceable tune that, as understated as they are, would still attract dancers to the floor.

At a time when 80’s retro disco copycat stodge is all consuming it’s a revelation to find such a varied and intriguing creation as ‘Rules.’ It is one of those albums that releases a little bit more of itself every time it is played. It is a deeply satisfying album and in the same vein as The Corrections ‘Repeat After Me’ mixes elements of jazz, electro and indie to scintillating effect.