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So the wait is finally over. White Lies have made their anticipated return with second album ‘Ritual’. Many would have doubted if they could better the impact left from their supreme 2008 debut ‘To Lose My Life’, with its dark angst that made Editors look ever so slightly cheery. It’s also hard to believe that with only one album these lads have moved from fronting a band called Flying of Fear to becoming one of the UK’s leading acts. Their overnight success was nothing short of extraordinary.
Single ‘Bigger Than Us’ couldn’t sum up their return more accurately. Frontman Harry McVeigh, bassist and songwriter Charles Cave and drummer Jack Brown have clearly outgrown the teenage angst that fuelled their debut, developing into dynamic song craftsmen who have created a stunningly gripping listen; a follow-up that will most certainly be primed for the big stage.
For some extra electronic twinge and 80s Depeche Mode and Echo And The Bunnymen-esque feel, the band brought in producer Alan Moulder, a man known for his high impact sound with bands like Nine Inch Nails. Opening with some gusto from the outset, ‘Is Love?’ shows how McVeigh has pushed his vocals to another level.
The album has many alluring elements, with its opening songs, the aforementioned ‘Is Love?’ and ‘Strangers’, starting with a slow and intense build-up. But the band haven’t forgot about filling those indie club floors on a Saturday night either. ‘Streetlights’ and ‘Holy Ghost’ feel a whole lot like a Joy Division hook but with lines like ‘Whoever taught you to sell your sex like that?’ it works perfectly.
The big chorus numbers come in the forms of ‘Bigger Than Us’ and ‘Turn The Bells’, making full use of Moulder’s previous work with glowing synths, high impact beats and a slightly nu-goth wave sound. Yes, there are some moments when McVeigh’s voice become a little drowned out but these are few and far between.
Many will simply think that White Lies are continuing their gloomy, deep teenage driven feel of their debut. But don’t be fooled, ‘Ritual’ is an intense album that will sweep you up and carry you along. These lads are not messing around. They have their sights firmly set on ascending to the top and ‘Ritual’ might just get them there.
