Whitest Boy Alive
House music will never secure world peace. Erland Øye, however, may just and if he does his particular take will almost certainly have a starring role.
The boy’s a bit special, as a headline slot at Leicester Summer Sundae proved.
Slowly, tribe by music tribe, he’s drawing us in convincing us all that we can feel good inside and happy with life. And I’m not talking the kind of ‘feel-good’ some people get from euphoric house (when the DJ builds it up, up, up, pause then bam, woohoo), or even a night at Mama Mia. No, this is ‘damn that’s good’ faultless lie back and enjoy the long afterglow.
He started off a few years back with the easy win – acoustic guitar, minimalist and sharp. The type of music you can’t but hear every note and understand every word. Drawing in those who devour this music for breakfast and a few enlightened indie kids to boot, as one half of Kings of Convenience. If you’ve not come across their first album you’re in for a treat if you take the plunge, but try this for starters:
A remix album saw friends and peers add all sorts of twists to the original album with mixed results, but its as his latest incarnation as lead for the four-piece Whitest Boy Alive that he’s appealing to the masses.
With a live set featuring beat-perfect drumming, tight baselines close your eyes and you could be at any decent club in he land. Yet at the helm is Erland with his geek style and dry humour. My friend Beccy had melted in her seat.
Without wishing to do Jarvis out of the rest of his career, there is a strong contender to his throne…
Recommended for:
Sarah T – better than Hot Chip
Sveta – I know how much you like dancing
Tommy G – convert the Chinese please!
Anna sis – if you’re still in the sunshine, this will be a treat
Carolyn – Test my Jarvis theory…
Steer clear
Beth – Despite the guitars and live music, it sounds like dance music
