Whiner - "Peace Out Cruel World"
Whiner’s long-awaited sophomore full-length, Peace Out Cruel Word, arrived late last month, and it was well worth the wait. Coming two years after their EP, You Never Have To Feel This Way Ever Again, the album has many of the familiar markings that make the Brooklyn goth punk quintet such an invigorating listen, but it also sees the band getting more maximalist and exploring even darker territory. The quintet made excellent use of space on their previous records, but here, they take it a step further, piecing together massive, synth-heavy arrangements with devastating rhythms that create an eerie atmosphere.
On Peace Out Cruel World, Whiner’s sound is enveloping and gloomy, but at the same time, they manage to keep the energy levels quite engaging. So many of the tracks flood the senses with a combination of thick synths, screeching guitars, deep bass lines, motorik beats, and ice-cold vocals, but without ceding any ground in terms of raw emotion. Despite some of the darker themes and textures, the songs are actually full of life. Lead vocalist Cameron Castan's ever-distinct and powerful voice is really the mood-defining element that allows the other bits and pieces to feel within their proper context. Though at many times it sits evenly in the mix, it still resonates. This is particularly true on tracks like “Dog,” and “Baseball Bat,” where his baleful voice and hair-raising screams are so gripping that they make the otherwise effervescent synths sound foreboding. Their sonic formula also includes some sparser moments, which the band uses to elevate the denser arrangements through contrast. Take the ominous intro riff to “Sleeping Pill,” which really serves to makes the forthcoming wave of synths and guitars sound towering. These small calculated moments are the result of a years-long process in putting the record together, and for Whiner, it really allows them to shine. The devil is definitely in the details on Peace Out Cruel World.
You can purchase Peace Out Cruel World on Bandcamp. The album is also available to stream on your platform of choice. Keep up with Whiner by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
