Best albums of 2023 #22

 #22: Home is Where, “The Whaler”

Genre: Midwest Emo/Folk Punk

The genres of midwest emo and folk punk have been hand in hand for years. The often acoustic instruments filled with energy bind the two together. And there’s no project I’ve heard that fuses the two as effectively as The Whaler. It’s the band’s debut album, and it makes an impression on the listener that isn’t easily forgotten. 

One of the most instantly recognizable things about Home is Where is its unique vocalist. His voice sits on the edge of being whiny or annoying, but never reaches the point of being tiresome, cliche, or overblown. I don’t think there’s a single vocal section on this album that felt like a chore to listen to. This is definitely aided by the album’s very raw and acoustic instrumentals, which along with the voice create an atmosphere of authenticity. It puts the punk in folk punk, more so even than other mainstream artists like AJJ. 

Speaking of punk, The Whaler doesn’t shy away from making big statements, but in a more subtle way than most. It takes a ‘show, don’t tell’ approach to its lyrics, making points through examples and imagery but never telling you exactly what it all means. For example, immediately after the chaotic and rage filled song Everyday Feels Like 9/11, the truly chilling song 9/12 follows. It leaves us with the revelation that no difference was made by any of the suffering, and life went back to how it was, unchanged. With ideas like these, the listeners are forced to think critically about their own interpretations of what’s going on.

At its absolute worst, this album is slightly forgettable. I’d be lying if I said I could remember anything except the ending of Lily Pad Pupils before coming back to this album very recently, although that song does act as a cooldown from the perfectly energetic opener. Chris Farley was a good song in terms of the story but didn’t really add anything sonically. However, that’s not to say you won’t enjoy them as you move through the album.

If you’re unsure about folk punk or midwest emo as a genre-which I understand, they can both be hard to get into-you probably shouldn’t start with this album, despite its incredibly high quality. But no matter who you are or what music you listen to, I just have to recommend the song Skin Meadow. It’s the first song on the album, and it sets the bar absurdly high while also setting the tone absurdly well. It begins with an infectiously catchy electric guitar motif, which plays throughout the song. During the chorus, the repeated chant of ‘skin meadow, skin meadow’ becomes more and more intense. Then, the electric guitar drops away for a more folksy part which keeps the energy up with skillful and fast drumming. The song ends with a nearly two and a half minute instrumental section (aside from the agonized screaming in the background which becomes more and more distorted) which cools down into a calm transition into the next song. It’s nearly perfect.

When it comes down to it, The Whaler’s bold choices in terms of storytelling and musicality are not only impressive but fun. It’s some of the best folk punk out there right now, period. 

Favorite songs: 

1. skin meadow

2. yes! yes! a thousand times yes!

3. everyday feels like 9/11+9/12

Least favorite song: chris farley

Favorite moment: The near-jumpscare at the beginning of everyday feels like 9/11

Favorite lyric: “In dawn September 12, 2001, everyone went back to work.” 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3k9zFidsO5YuOnIgKWkUI0?si=1-d3HTsERyW46vBNDcPK1Q