Whalers

I’m looking forward to hearing the forthcoming full-length release by Austin-based quintet Whalers. They’d been working on the new stuff throughout the summer, although they managed to squeeze in an EP release show last July to share a couple of new tracks, “Bon Vivant” and “Pennywhistle Park Place” (my fave, used in this edition of the Austin Music Minute.)

They definitely own the surfer style, utilizing the rolling percussion and guitars you’d hear in ‘60s beach music. They also know how to rock the nautical theme, as is evidenced by previous releases, the EP Paddle Easy and the single Sunsets Suck (2011), both of which run along the aquatic vibe. (Of course, there’s also the band photos.) But this is not a revisiting of Beach Boys-esque melodies. They put their own spin on the sound, combining some parts indie, other parts psychedelic, a number of influences.

This is definitely an aftershow you need to check out.
- KUT.org

Austin Artist to Watch band, Whalers, have released their new single “Bon Vivant” - Ultra 8201

With “Bon Vivant,” the group really stepped up their use of two guitar harmonies and melodies, making the song a really intriguing listen. Gus Smalley definitely didn’t slouch on the vocals neither, his rockstar crooning hits a peak towards the end of the song when he reaches registers that fall way beyond most rockers range. - Ovrld.com

Whalers are the big headliner, continuing their rise to popularity in the local scene. - Austin Town Hall

Continuing in the vein of surfer rock with a twist, "Bon Vivant" opens with a drum riff that leads into the classic rolling percussion and clean guitar chords of the 1960s beach sound. - The Austinist

As your ears dive into their surf rock it is easy to get caught in the auricular undertow and swept out to sea. - The Austin Chronicle

It seems as if the people who are meeting each other in Whalers songs are the kinds of people who know it would be better if they just kept walking, but they can't help themselves. It would be in everyone's best interests if this all stopped before it started. There are no moons to guide them through the nights that they're pointed toward. There's no compass that's going to help them through their days together. It's going to be one struggle after another, but damn if the few non-struggles don't make it all the more worth the real struggles. There's a compassion that comes through on so many of the Austin, Texas band's songs that are the sentiments that come from those people who have been married for decades, heading toward their silver or paper anniversaries. They've shared their drinks together. They've shared many cakes and trips together and, even with the bickering and the dumb ass things that they've both done, even with the sheer capacity that each has for making the other angry, they're mostly fine with the person they chose to live their lives with. These old married people - though the folks on Whalers songs are questionably married, more likely getting through the lusting or courting process and seeing where everything shakes out from there - are quick to admit that they're infuriating to live with, but so is their spouse, so it all works out. And then they'll laugh together and share a bed, once again, for the thousandth time in-a-row, as if there's nothing to the empty words and chidings. There was a woman that we met in Vermont a few weeks ago, a real sweet, but crazy woman, who told us, out of nowhere, that her husband pisses her off. It came apropos of nothing and yet, even with those sentiments offered freely to near strangers, one got the feeling that they were made for one another, raising their cattle together and drinking beers when they could. Gus Smalley, the lead singer for Whalers - a group that puts a bit of a jalapeno into the mix, with a bass-heavy, but spicy sound - gives us these sketches of people as they are navigating through themselves and their ever-changing waters. These are people who are on the brink of those biggest of choices in life and there's both the belief that this is exactly what they want and the same percentage of belief that this is all going to go horribly wrong and they're making the worst mistake in the world. Some people are just unable to infuse confidence in others and it can make for some passionate inner-monologues. Whalers have that volatility on lockdown. It's putting everything on the scale and finding that nothing's tipping in either direction, only making it all that much more complicated and, really, just the way shit is. - Daytrotter

We picked up That Rabbit by The Whalers from the always excellent Rollo & Grady blog and it was one of those first play moments where you get to the end and say to yourself “how good was that?”, before hitting repeat.

So we figured we ought to share the track here for anyone who has missed out on the band so far plus another cracker from their EP How The Ship Goes Down. They are from Austin, Texas and play a wonderfully straightforward blend of thudding, bass-heavy rock that makes us think of the best bits of QotSA melded with the Black Angels and then given some 60s style reverb treatment.

It really is good stuff and it means The Whalers are our first favourite new band of 2011. - The Mad Mackerel

Austin's, Whalers are four guys how simply seem to get the most they can out of their instruments. The core of the band, guitarists Kyle Rother and Dan Martin, have been writing together since 2003, when they both worked for the radio station at TCU. After graduation, they moved back to Austin and in 2008 the duo became a trio with the addition of drummer, Milos Bertram. The final piece of the Whalers puzzle was added with the addition of singer, Gus Smalley and bassist Amir Mozafari (who replaced Joseph Goessling in 2010), and the table was set.

The best part of Whalers songs is the '60's reverb that gives the songs a timeless, hazy Beach Boys quality that seems to swim around in the layered guitars and Smalley's piercing vocals. This all sounds complicated, but it's not. Whalers, with the help of sound engineer, Kevin Ratterman (who TSE favorite, My Morning Jacket covets as a genius) lay down songs that are transportive in nature, but not overwhelming to the ears. Everything fits and each song is tight. My favorite track on their EP, "How the Ship Goes Down" is Heatwave, and just one listen will give you an idea of what I mean. The guitars are dreamy and the drums never take over the song. The vocals compliment the entire feel of the song and, in the end, you're left with a remarkable song and an amazing EP, collectively.

Go get it now. Here are some links:

You can stream/purchase the album HERE

You can find their Facebook page HERE

Check them out ASAP.

chris

P.S. some of you may hear them and make a Strokes connection, but I didn't mention The Strokes because I'm already sick of hearing about them and their new album. - The Steam Engine

Melancholic tunes, suitable for foggy autumn days. For this, the voluptuous voice of Gus Smalley. The new EP of the Whalers' Paddle Easy "is another indie rock to dream.

Her music interests range - if they published the playlists on the net thinks - the surf rock of the '60s, to the Stone Temple Pilots. And if you listen closely and frequently to its current five-song EP, then you can also listen to reverberate. Again, it is above all the yearning and muted tones that have packed the Whalers in their pop songs. Rather blunt riffs melodies remains the motto. Although from time to time associated hardness happen. Especially the last song "Vagenda" rises literally into a trance and dismisses a lot of breath. Then you can really only hear "Sunsets Suck" - often a more suitable and romance defying song title in such a dreamy song. The Whalers already published in the summer as a free download single. And now when an album comes in full length? - Wasser-Prawda

How the Ship Goes Down is the debut EP from nautically themed Austin act Whalers. I know what you are thinking: "Oh boy, yet another Austin band." And i feel your pain -- what is it about that scene that seems to spawn so many things that we review here? It’s a mystery.

Whalers are a sort of retro rock act, meaning that they have a classic five person (two guitars with lead singer, drums, and bass) lineup and the guitar is forefront, echoed and tremolo-y, weighted down with a mass of old-fashioned distortions. But it is the voice that draws my attention. The vocalist is one Gus Smalley (a good name for a rock singer, i think), and he is obviously a man who has listened to his early Rolling Stones records. His voice leaps around, jumping from syllable to syllable in sometimes unexpected ways. He draws some words out and shortens others in a manner that really reminds me of the work of Mr. Jagger. This is a good thing, really.

The EP starts out with I Slept With Her Too in which tremoloed guitars whirl while Mr. Smalley sings about Mick Jagger, more or less. However, Smalley does something different with his voice on the next track, Magic Tricks. Here he sings in a higher pitch, almost whiney, with the voice almost buried in shining guitars in a manner reminiscent of the first Magic Bullets album. This combination really works.

On the wonderfully titled Sunsets Suck, Whalers get their post-punk on. The bass and drums are vaguely dubby, and the guitars sound more Gang of Four than Stones for a nice change of pace. Heatwave is a slower song with less guitar distortion. It moves along nicely enough with a happy melody and e-bowed guitar.

Sell Out reminds me of new wave. The drums are more forceful and the rhythm guitar is crunchy, while the lead is echoed. The mid tempo, the forceful drums, and the dueling guitarwork reminds me a lot of early INXS, or perhaps the New Zealand act Jean-Paul Sartre Experience. Not enough people channel the guitarwork of Timmy Farris, dammit.

Eviction takes us back to the 1960s, with a happy back-beat and thunked bass riff over chiming guitars. There is a backing vocal part here that gives an overall effect of Phil Spector producing a vocal harmony group. Normally when you hear this kind of stuff these days, it's all female voices, but Whalers remind us that there was a male vocal harmony trend in the 60s too, and they do it pretty well. Finally Whalers wrap up with That Rabbit, which continues the general Spectorishness of the previous tune, but cranking up the tempo and the paranoia. This is an energetic tune that moves along tensely.

On the whole, this is a good debut EP. The band has promise, and i like what they are doing with the way they record their sound. I think that the recording that they use here really works for the types of songs that they have written. - EvilSponge

It's the latest from the Whalers from Austin, Texas. With "How The Ship Goes Down", the band has now submitted a mini-album, where the sumptuous pop melodies to shine in the Rocker finally right sound.

Are now great or crap? The webmaster knew definitely that time was running musical in the newsroom, as this actually has a rarity value: indie rock of the sort that is guitar driven. And all this without blues or soul bonds. "Less is more" as is also the mantra of men around the guitarist Kyle Rother and Dan Martin. What builds are simply classic sounding rock songs with plenty of nostalgia. This is no superficial hardness celebrated, but the melodies come into their own, at once set in the ear canals. With this also contributes to the melancholy vocals of Gus Smalley. Overall, "How The Ship Goes Down," is an EP that, after I criticized because of the lousy sound of their first demo, shows the growth of a really good rock band. Whalers - you realize this band. - Wasser-Prawda

Walking down the stairs of my place, I squint at the evening sun crawling through twisting oak trees, and I am greeted by the warm, Sunday summer air mashed against my face. I slide comfortably into place behind the wheel of a sparkling silver ’74 bronco to ease past the oak trees and neighbors walking dogs or sneaking back to their respective homes wrapped in beach towels, a sunburn, and the warmth of Mexican beer. On my way to interview the South Austin band the Whalers, I am invited to take a quick break from the endless summer in the cool pool of the endless imagination of the South Austin neighborhood of 78704. At an address delivered via text, I arrive at a small, stone greenbelt home – home of Blues Traveler bassist Tad Kinchla and waltz through the front door and out the back door to find the water covered by shadows, music echoing out of the corner, while friends laugh. While sharing a joke with the brunette floating next to me, I am introduced to Gus Smalley, the lead singer of the band, the Whalers. At introduction, Gus asks, “Aren’t we supposed to do an interview at my house in 45 minutes?” To which I smirk and blurt, “We are!”

And so begins the story of life in Austin, Texas, where your friends are my friends and vice versa. On this particular Sunday, Gus sits under a curling head of hair, floating in the pool, smoking cigarettes and buzzing about the work that the Whalers just finished on their second album, Paddle Easy. A small window of time passes and drummer Milos Bertram appears at the edge of the pool in untied top siders and a plaid button down, eager to drag Gus out of the pool and back to the house for the eight o’clock interview. …To which Gus rotates to float on his back, exhales a coil of smoke, and tells Milos to relax as he introduces the would-be interviewer posted up against the side of the pool. We share a laugh at the coincidence of our meeting and begin the retreat to South Lamar, behind Black Sheep Lodge, behind the high beams of traffic transversing South Austin, and into the home of waiting instruments and band members preparing to talk about their second release.

Instruments piled on top of instruments cover the wood floor where a traditional dining room table and chairs would normally call home. I eye the well of creation as we move through the living room and past the kitchen, through a sliding glass door to a wooden deck overlooking nothing at all. As the once cool evening of swimming turns into the deck’s summer sauna, the Whalers and I sit in sweat. Sweating out the details of their experiences as an Austin band and a do-it-yourself ethos regarding writing and recording, the band stretches out in a semi circle on the deck. Guitar player Dan Martin focuses in on the simplicity of their recording, which drew inspiration from early Strokes and Walkmen albums. The band agrees that their stripped down sound can also been drawn from their stripped down lifestyle. Much of the writing for Paddle Easy was done on a weekend trip to Gus’s ranch, where the group spent a good deal of time eating, drinking, fishing and “taking it easy.”

Receiving Paddle Easy a few days earlier, I was drawn to the track, “Cheat On Each Other.” I was immediately struck by the opening chord and similarity to Del Shannon’s “Runaway.” Chock full of early ‘60s jangled guitar sound without the precious pining of Del or Max Crook’s critical eight-bar piano solo, “Cheat On Each Other manages” to offer up a care free critique on Del’s simple love lost. The title track, “Paddle Easy,” nestles up to the deep-throated, dark sounds of Ian Curtis’s “Joy Division,” without all the suicidal tendencies or cloudy Manchester aura. “Pixel in Your Picture” catches your ear the way a figure eight catches your eye with a smart, tight loop.

Overall, the record reflects a progression in the Whalers’ writing, recording, and ability to deliver emotion to the listener. Paddle Easy deserves a spot in your playlist and in your imagination. As your imagination drives past the neighborhoods South of the Colorado River, you pass our city’s creative class…and as you float on by, remember to paddle easy.

Look for the Whalers around Austin towards the end of October or first of November.
- Ryan Cox - Enso Magazine

One year ago Austin band The Whalers released a glorious indie rock anthem called “Sunsets Suck.” Reminding me of one-third depression, being lost at sea and vampires (in that order) I pined for the song every morning for a week straight. Fast forward to now where the Whalers have just released their second EP, Paddle Easy. The songs on this one didn’t strike me instantly like “Sunsets Suck” did. Instead I listened one, two, three times before I began to make sense of what was really good and what was just smoking me. The best is the jangly, surf tinged “Cheat on Each Other.” Gotta love the attitude they bring. - Write.Click.Cook.Listen.

Local boys Whalers grabbed our attention earlier this year and landed a much coveted Artist 2 Watch tag. Since that time, the band has been hard at work recorded some tunes to follow up their late 2010 release How the Ship Goes Down. The new song I have for you below “Cheat on Each Other” is taken from those new recordings and appears on new EP, Paddle Easy which hits streets on September 6th. Apparently more great things are on the horizon for this up and coming Austin band, so stay tuned as we get the details. - Austin Town Hall

Austin, TX, indie-rock outfit Whalers present their 7-song-long album How The Ship Goes Down with the right bravour and attitude. I like what I hear. Guitarists Kyle Rother and Dan Martin began making music together in 2003, while based in Fort Worth. Back in Austin (a few years later) they gathered the full quintet with singer Gus Smalley, veteran drummer Milos "Hound Dog" Bertram, and bass-player Amir Mozafari (replacing Joseph Goessling this year). Their rock'n'roll is sort of basic and straightforward, yet, it's got something in it which make it enough to charm me (I'm not all that easy...).

How The Ship Goes Down is said to be an EP, holding some 30 minutes of music. The Whalers' mantra are: 'Less is more', which should be a lesson for many a pop/rock band around. Whalers' songs are guitar-based, 'old-fashion' style (not sloppy or soggy, mind you), with cool/raw rock vocals by Smalley. Within their songs you'll find both traces from the 60s (and 70s) as well as hints of new (well, at least 90s).

How The Ship Goes Down was recorded, produced, and performed by Whalers in Austin, TX, and mixed by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Wax Fang, plus others). Looking for something not being hip and fashionable, but with kool and tough songs? Enjoy Whalers. Key tracks: "Magic Tricks", "Sell Out", and "That Rabbit".

Copyright © 2010 Håvard Oppøyen - Luna Kafé

Austin, TX combo Whalers is back with another EP a year after their (mini) album How The Ship Goes Down. And I can't say nothing but 'Hear! Hear!' once more.

Paddle Easy holds 5 songs and again the quintet serves well-cooled rock cocktails. These are no-bullshit songs, being both catchy and entertaining. They've both got this 70s and 80s (well, maybe with most weight on the latter's wave of US guitar rock) feel to them, but the songs and the sound doesn't sound dated. Opener "Cheat On Each Other" seems to be a love-hate tale. "Pixel In Your Picture" sounds like Posies time-capsuled back to 1974. The title track and the last two songs keeps on the track, showing a potent rock band I guess must be a treat at any dark and sweaty rock club stage. Guitarists Kyle Rother and Dan Martin, singer Gus Smalley, drummer Milos Bertram and bassist Amir Mozafari play basic rock'n'roll, and their mantra still is: 'Less is more'. - Luna Kafé

We loved The Whalers first EP How The Ship Goes Down so it was good news to discover they released a new EP, Paddle Easy, yesterday.

Paddle Easy is another varied, five-song release that demonstrates the bands growing aptitude for creating diverse music within the rock and roll genre, from the surf-inspired Cheat on Each Other, to the elegance of I’m a Pixel in Your Picture, to the hypnotic (and our favourite) Lighthouse (featuring Arum Rae Valkonen of another MM favourite, White Dress), and all the way back to the hard-nosed modern rockers Vagenda and title track Paddle Easy.

You can buy now for $5 from their Bandcamp page here, or from November 25th they will begin releasing physical CDs as well as distributing the album more widely online via Tunecore. In the US, CDs will be available for purchase at Waterloo, End of an Ear, Friends of Sound, and hopefully some other places. - The Mad Mackerel

Let's step away from the fringed edges of indie music and bear a little closer to center - Surely you've heard Whalers?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDqmh00Q3s/TsKr8ZO9VGI/AAAAAAAABds/FrK-Rku4NwE/s1600/Whalers%2B2.jpg

There they are. Left-right, we've got Dan Martin on guitar, Amir Mozafari on bass, Gus Smalley behind the microphone, Milos Bertram behind the drum kit, and that's Kyle Rother on lead guitar.

We say "surely" because Mingus calls 'em "explosive", Wild Magazine starts the week with their music, and Rollo & Grady, that must-read music blog in LA, put Whalers on theirwatch list this year.

As should you - Their latest, "Paddle Easy" (embedded below) is drawing the attention heat; and not just from us Austinites either: The good folks at Indie Rock Cafe are calling it a best new release, and labeling Whalers "Austin’s under-rated indie band".

Simple enough reason - Classic-sounding, radio-friendly, guitar-reverberated, crystal-clear productions that get stuck in your brain, seaweed-like, after a brief dive into their repetoire.

See how many influences you can find in this one, the instant-classic, opening track on their latest, "Paddle Easy":

http://whalersmusic.bandcamp.com/track/cheat-on-each-other

Did you pick up The Animals, Rolling Stones, The Who? How about that classic guitar solo about 1 minute in, and those Turtle-ish bridges?

Slow it down a bit, and watch how Smalley's vox, some clever lyrics (written and produced BEFORE this year's heat wave, BTW), and even more clever guitar licks show off their soulful depth:

http://whalersmusic.bandcamp.com/track/heatwave

And for a taste of something less formalized, here's one that blends some very classic song structure with very unclassic staccato picking, with surprisingly addictive success:

http://whalersmusic.bandcamp.com/track/sell-out

These guys have jammed all over town, doing a residency at Lamberts in July, and reportedly working 12 sets during last year's SXSW; sharing the stage with The Black & White Years, Ponderosa, Sunset, TV Torso, and Daniel Hart (The Polyphonic Spree) along the way. And they even managed to work in a Daytrotter session back in October.

Here, take a minute, see why everyone likes the brilliant "Paddle Easy":

http://whalersmusic.bandcamp.com/album/paddle-easy

Find out more about Whalers on Facebook, Bandcamp, and Home Base. - Austin Independent Music

Before we get back to the other previously unknown In Dee Mail releases, we first want to present Austin’s under-rated indie band Whalers, who dropped their second EP, Paddle Easy. Among the best songs on the album are “Cheat On Each Other,” an infectious ode to surf rock from the landlocked Texans, and “Pixel Your Picture,” a perfectly poplicious track that should be an ‘indie hit’ song, and reminds us of The Walkmen. While it was difficult to pick which songs to present from the newest EP – because there are so many great tracks – we’re also including the melodic, dreamy duet, “Lighthouse,” featuring Whaler’s lead singer, Kyle Rother, together with White Dress vocalist Arum Rae Valkonen.

Of all the artists in this In Dee Mail feature, the Whalers are the best known. In fact, even though they’ve only been together for two years, they have a loyal and growing fan base in Austin, and increasingly, around the nation, with profile spots on Daytrotter and Rollo Grady “Artist to Watch.” The band’s debut EP, How The Ship Goes Down, was mixed by My Morning Jacket’s sound engineer, Kevin Ratterman, and mastered at Jim Eno’s (Spoon) Austin studio, Public Hi-Fi. - Indie Rock Cafe

n/a - Rollo Grady

“I Slept With Her, Too”, the lead track from Whalers’ debut EP How the Ship Goes Down, provides a near exact template of what you can expect from this Austin band. It’s simple swing beat and jangly guitar tone immediately reminds one of some kind of sixties band lost in time. A sweet melody, great vocals, and tongue in cheek lyrics are included as well. What makes the track, and by extension the entire EP, a success is in its simplicity. It provides more roll than rock, and there doesn’t appear to be a wasted note on it.
The band was formed in Austin, TX, a town known as a musical paradise of weirdness. But, honestly, the only weird thing about Whalers is their non-weirdness. Their ability to make simple, honest rock and roll without any pretension. Combine their lack of pretension with their musical acumen, and How the Ship Goes Down is an extremely enjoyable listen.
“Magic Trick” is the second track on the EP, and sounds similar to the first. A simple riff, a thudding bassline, and un-fussy drums abound. Gus Smalley’s vocals weave around the guitar and build to the cacophonous chorus. “Sunsets Suck” provides a bit of a respite. A simple three chord balladesque track, that grows in its intensity as it wears on. Again, in the hands of a more pretentious band, the song could be overblown, but Whalers keep it simple, and it works. “Heatwave” is slower still, built around a circular guitar figure. “Take credit for the heatwave ‘cross the South” opens the song of regret. “You didn’t think we’d burn out so soon, did you?” Smalley sings, and you want to agree. “Sell Out” takes us back to the roll, with a swinging Black Crowes-ian riff, and echoes of My Morning Jacket. “Sell out, before you sell in/Your bound to be as fickle as the wind” is a great lyric, delivered with conviction. “Eviction” opens with an acoustic strum, and then comes the beat from the sixties. All openness is presented here, with all kinds of room to breathe. “That Rabbit” is all reverb in the riff, and a truly a great finish. Here the band finds it in themselves to rawk out a bit, and it doesn’t feel out of place, one iota.
How the Ship Goes Down is immediate, and a grower all at once. Every time I listened to it, its simplicity remains appealing but there is plenty to discover in it. For a debut EP, it is remarkable that the band seems to be completely and wholly comfortable in their own skin. Most bands would try to impress upon the listener a certain kind of heavy handed announcement of themselves. For Whalers, that’s not their style. And thank God for that. - ADEQUACY.NET Indie Music Reviews

Austin band The Whalers have been at the music game in and around town playing live shows and making a name for themselves for about two years at this point. It’s a shame that we haven’t discovered them sooner, but we all know this town has more bands than we know what to do with. These guys recently finished their debut EP How the Ship Goes Down that features their very own brand of good ‘ol fashioned rock n freaking roll. If I were to make a bill of similar local bands, I’d build a show with SuperLiteBike, The Happen-Ins, and The Whalers. All bands that know how to rock and don’t need a lot of added BS to create a solid sound. You’ve got a chance to check these guys out live next month on February 2nd at Beauty Bar in Austin along with Only Thieves and Look Mexico. In the meantime, you can check out the band’s new EP for free on their bandcamp page and let us know what you think. - Austin Town Hall

If you live in Austin then news of the Whalers might not be anything new to you. They’ve already played Emo’s and a Friday gig at Stubbs is probably in their future. If you don’t live in ATX then the Whalers is Dan Martin, Gus Smalley, Kyle Rother, Amir Mozafari and Milos Bertram. Together they’re making music that flirts with disaster while embracing the thrill of life. ‘How The Ship Goes Down’ is their explosive debut. The disk was mixed by Kevin Ratterman of My Morning Jacket fame.

Rather than be another surf band or your standard indie rock group, Whalers choose to mix the two genres with hints of southern punk and brute vocals. At any second songs like “I Slept With Her, Too” and “That Rabbit” could fall apart but in the moment Whalers play you for a fool as they perform brilliantly. It’s easy to get caught in the spectacle of showmanship on “Sunsets Suck” and “Sell Out,” but the best part about this group is their confidence. That’s what rock’s about. It’s been a while.

Here’s a clip of “That Rabbit” off ‘How The Ship Goes Down'. - Mingus Magazine

Switching gears again. Whalers are yet another talented Austin indie rock band. That basically means they are damn good, and in just about any other medium-sized city than Austin, Whalers would be in the running for “Best Local Band of 2010?. Even though we missed the original drop date (Nov. 30th) for the band’s debut EP, How The Ship Goes Down, their songs have enjoyed more than a couple of spins in the cafe.

All of the tracks were recorded, produced, and performed by Whalers in a house off of Riverside Drive. The record was mixed by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Wax Fang) at The Funeral Home Studio in Louisville, Kentucky, and mastered at Jim Eno’s Public Hi-Fi studio in Austin.

“Magic Tricks” – Whalers from How The Ship Goes Down (debut EP) – Nov. 30th

“Sunsets Suck” – Whalers from How The Ship Goes Down

“That Rabbit” – Whalers from How The Ship Goes Down - Indie Rock Cafe

Fun indie pop rock that'll put a perfect cap to your summer. Chumming Around by Whalers is a feel good summer pop rock album that's definitely worth tripping to.

Although the production quality is not that good, you can instantly tell just by listening to one track that these guys definitely have a gem up their sleeves. Hopefully, they'll take a cue and record a higher quality version and let us enjoy our last days of summer "chumming around."
Free music for professional licensing

Chumming Around is a 6 track album released in June 2010 on Jamendo. Texas based indie pop rockers, Whalers, gather up some of their best all-fun-laze-around-all-day tracks and compiled it into this one record. The album explodes with uptempo summer beats that give a hint of what it must feel like to roll around in a poppy field, laughing all day, without worrying about bills, heartaches or life. Basically, it's just carefree music meant to be enjoyed for what it is.

As mentioned, the production quality is a bit subpar. I can only imagine how the album must sound if it was recorded in high definition. I do like the vocals for some reason. I think it's the slight resident drawl in there that works for me, (makes me think of Isaac Brock) although I'll understand if you argue otherwise.

Some of the tracks worth listening to includes, "Hyperion" which sounds like a more upbeat less 70s sounding Kings of Leon song. "Action Film" is also an instant classic.

Whalers is made up of Dan Martin - Guitars; Kyle Rother - Guitars; Amir Mozafari - Bass; A. Milos Bertram - drums; and Gus Smalley - Vocals. Chumming Around is released under a creative commons license. - Frost Click

"...explore the world in the form of Austin's Whalers. These guys have a great new EP, How the Ship Went Down, that features a number of songs that I can't stop listening too. These include "That Rabbit" (chilly as a cave sing-a-long) and "Sunsets Suck" (like a transient insomnia laced two step). Deal out the dollars and get yourself a copy (or visit IRC for a few free tracks)." - Write.Click.Cook.Listen.