The band has occasionally performed without the French horn or cello, though these instruments are used heavily on the live recording of their first album, Through the Ides of March.
The band's sound has been noted for fully incorporating the string and other orchestral instrumentation, a step different from similar rock and dark pop projects wherein strings are often added on as an afterthought or not given full room for expression and treated as integral elements within melodic musical structure. Other elements that mark the group's work are the inclusion of barely audible soundscapes of text (often derived from news broadcasts) and the persistence of slowly constructed piano arpeggios onto which other musical layers are added.
The themes dealt with lyrically are distinctly "dark" and keep with the tone of the music. The topics range from poetic reminiscences of lost or abandoned love, rage at cultural injustice, greed, and shallowness, and a kind of drifting melancholy that seems to hover on the edge of violence.
A Whisper in the Noise have performed consistently around the Twin Cities area. Additionally, they have toured the United States, Europe, and England at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival.
Live performances often but not always include still and moving images projected behind the group.
A Whisper in the Noise has typically been well-received by both critics and listeners. SouthSCENE declared them "a dark melee of some of the most innovative and mature musical styles of contemporary rock," and TreasureTunes praised the group's "dramatic, melancholic music."
A Whisper in the Noise played in the Rhâââ Lovely Festival in second quarter 2007 and along with a tour of Europe as well.
The lineup consists of:
West Thordson
Steve Yasgar
Matt Irwin
Hannah Murray
Chris Quinn
Sonja Larson
Nicholas Conner
Rachel Drehmann
Andrew Broste
Chris Rocha
Theodora Wynhoff
http://www.awitn.com
A New Dawn
A Whisper in the Noise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
is anyone afloat?..
weakened by the hunger to be reborn?
either way the tempered be heedful of source
yet neither obsequious or of remorse
I wait for a new dawn
to hold something more than something of old
are you yet awake, dear, apon qui vive?
please don't feel mistaken of faction to be
the air of acedia begets the thunder beings
destitution rings, love, recall the dream
oooh
I wait for a new dawn
to hold something more than something
I refrain
I feel the same
cause i really want to
I really want to I really want to stay
I really want to I really want to I really want to stay
I really want to stay for something
I really want to stay
please don't forget what the thought burns away
The opening lines of A Whisper in the Noise's song A New Dawn pose a series of questions to those listening. The first question is a call into the void, asking if anyone is awake and present. The second question is more metaphorical, asking if anyone is afloat. The singer seems to be grappling with a sense of disconnection from the world around them, searching for some kind of signal that will help them feel more grounded.
The song goes on to explore ideas of rebirth and renewal, asking if the hunger for these things has weakened the singer. They caution against blindly following external sources, urging listeners to remain true to themselves and their own sense of integrity. Despite this warning, there is a sense of hope present in the lyrics, as the singer waits for a new dawn that will hold something more than the old.
Overall, the song feels like a meditation on the human experience: the feelings of disconnection and uncertainty that can plague us all, but also the potential for growth and change that exists within everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
is anyone awake here?
Asking if anyone is conscious or aware of their surroundings.
is anyone afloat?
Asking if anyone is surviving or floating above their struggles.
weakened by the hunger to be reborn?
Feeling weakened by the desire to start anew or be reborn.
either way the tempered be heedful of source
Reminding oneself to be aware of the source or origin of their emotions or actions, while maintaining self-control.
yet neither obsequious or of remorse
Asserting that one will not be excessively obedient or submissive, nor feel regret for their behaviors or decisions.
oooh
I wait for a new dawn
to hold something more than something of old
Expressing a desire for a new beginning that is more significant than what was experienced previously.
are you yet awake, dear, apon qui vive?
Asking if the person is awake and alert, with a touch of endearment, and possibly concern.
please don't feel mistaken of faction to be
Asking the person not to feel misled or mistaken about their faction or allegiance.
the air of acedia begets the thunder beings
Referring to the deadly sin of sloth or idleness, indicating that it leads to negative or destructive outcomes.
destitution rings, love, recall the dream
Reminding oneself to remember their dream or goal in the midst of poverty or despair.
I refrain
Declaring that they are holding back or not giving in to temptation or impulse.
I feel the same
Expressing that they feel a connection or similarity to the person they are addressing.
cause i really want to
I really want to I really want to stay
I really want to I really want to I really want to stay
I really want to stay for something
Stating that they have a strong desire to stay, possibly for a purpose or someone they care for.
please don't forget what the thought burns away
Asking the person not to forget the passion or conviction that they have, when facing challenges or doubts.
Contributed by Violet N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
TheBassManJeff
This brings me WAYYY back. This band just popped into my head today for the first time in 5 years. I look on here for an hour until I found this band again. This has always been my favorite song by them. I'm so glad I found these guys again.
windswept23
what a wonderful song ...
Braden Buhler
Breathtaking. In every way.
Slegna
beautiful
carl markz
this song would suit in my opinion as scene after a great war,begining the rebuilding of the new world,a new dawn as to say.such a song to leave anyone who hears it speechless.
TheBassManJeff
Minnesota bands ftw. I love these guys.