‘Cause life is fleeting… So says Charlie Fink, lead singer of the Folk Rock band ‘Noah and The Whale‘. Where did they get their name from? It’s a combination of their favourite film ‘The Squid and The Whale‘, and it’s director, Noah Baumbach. Quirky. Love it.

I went to see them last night at a free in-store gig at the Zavvi record shop on Oxford Street.  

They put on a great show. A lot of very young, and very excited fans, jumping up and down in this small space, singing along to every word. I have a feeling this band will be big. The band have already cultivated a niche following in the UK, with a lot young fans who can relate to a lead singer who is only 21 years of age.

But, this music transcends all age groups and categories. His voice is distinctly reminiscent of Bill Callahan, with pop sensitivities - much like The National. There is a full band, with handclaps, triangles, ukuleles, the works. And a trumpet and trombone player to boot! Everyone sings, everyone gets involved. Even those without a microphone shout the words. All of this equates to a layered sound, with textured melodies, like a much younger Arcade Fire.

Once you’ve been reeled in by their melodies, there are some wonderful lyrics to uncover. The frontman himself says that he only started writing proper songs after travelling across the Mediterranean and India and having something to write about. The songwriting reflects a sort of maturity that is evident in young songwriters like Laura Marling - whose last record was incidentally produced by Charlie himself. It appears that Laura used to be a member of the band, before splintering off. She still tours, and sings with them occasionally. I listened to this CD a lot last night, only to realize that Laura’s voice appears on pretty much most of the tracks. What a pleasant surprise that was. Some fresh music, with one of my favourite singer songwriters adding back up harmonies.

Their single - VERY popular with the teenagers, is called ‘5 Years Time’. But I much prefer the bittersweet ballad ’Give a Little Love’, not to be confused with the Rilo Kiley song of the same name.  Giver er’ a listen:

Noah and The Whale - Give a Little Love