Recognized in 2011 by LA Music Blog Rol… Read Full Bio ↴http://www.whalersmusic.com/
Recognized in 2011 by LA Music Blog Rollo & Grady as their “Artist to Watch,” Whalers is a rock and roll band from Austin – a group comprised of friends of friends from around Texas. Though Whalers is just two years old, the band has gathered a loyal and sizeable local following, playing nearly every major Austin venue, and becoming a regular fixture at places like Club Deville and Lamberts. Most recently, they were invited to record a Daytrotter session at Matt Oliver’s Big Orange studios, which is now available for download.
Influenced by a number of prolific rock and roll bands including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, White Stripes, and Brian Jonestown Massacre, Whalers blend the sounds of past greats with modern themes and arrangements to craft songs that resonate across the decades. Their approach is simple – Whalers make music that they want to listen to.
Stylistically, Whalers’ music reflects their collective appreciation of simplicity, as well as their disdain for wasted notes. Whalers make it a point to “get the most out of their instruments” with “songs that are transportive in nature... Everything fits and each song is tight.” (The Steam Engine). Picture 60's surf-wave mixed with modern folk-pop with a 90's rock slap in the mouth.
After 12 sets during SXSW 2011, Whalers showed not only their dedication to live performance, but also their love for partying at large (whether participating or merely providing the soundtrack). Along the way, they have shared the stage with groups including The Black & White Years, Ponderosa, Sunset, TV Torso, and Daniel Hart (The Polyphonic Spree). Whalers’ unique musical formula has garnered this “talented Austin indie rock band” a considerable amount of national attention. “They are damned good.” (Indie Rock Café).
In November 2010, their self-released debut EP, How The Ship Goes Down, received unanimous critical praise, solidifying their legitimacy as a band that should be noticed.
Recorded in guitarist Kyle Rother’s home studio in Austin, How The Ship Goes Down was mixed by My Morning Jacket’s sound engineer, Kevin Ratterman, and mastered in Jim Eno’s (Spoon) Austin studio, Public Hi-Fi. After one listen, don’t be surprised if you find yourself experiencing “one of those moments where you get to the end and say to yourself ‘how good was that?’ before hitting repeat.” (The Mad Mackerel).
Whalers announced that they will be releasing new EP entitled Paddle Easy on November 11th, 2011. An impressively varied five-song album, Paddle Easy demonstrates Whalers’ growing aptitude for creating diverse music within the rock and roll genre, from the surf-inspired “Cheat on Each Other,” to the elegance of “Pixel in Your Picture,” to the hypnotic “Lighthouse” featuring Arum Rae Valkonen of White Dress, and all the way back to the hard-nosed modern rockers “Vagenda” and “Paddle Easy.”
What makes Whalers different than the hundreds of other rock bands playing around Austin? According to Mingus Magazine, “the best part about this group is their confidence. That’s what rock’s about.” And that’s what Whalers are about – making great rock and roll music, one song at a time.
Whalers Band Members:
Kyle Rother – Lead guitar
Dan Martin – Rhythm guitar
Gus Smalley – Vocals
Amir Mozafari – Bass Guitar
Milos Bertram – Drummer
Heatwave
Whalers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sure, it's silly dear but grab a mirror
And look what's dribbling outta your mouth.
You knew this day was coming, darling, didn't you?
We said we'd melt your heart out,
Didn't think we'd burn out so soon, did you?
And the only regret I've left to accept is
I waited so goddamned long.
Our love's long been in cinders, Doll, admit it.
This flame has been impending
You just couldn't see me ending things with you.
We're taking credit for the massacre downtown.
If everybody thinks we're dangerous,
No one will hold us up or down.
You knew this day was coming, darling, didn't you?
You heard about our hit-list,
Didn't think we'd follow through though, did you?
We're taking credit for the Heatwave 'cross the South.
Sure, it's silly dear but grab a mirror,
And look what's driveling out of your mouth.
You knew this day was coming. I'll admit it, too.
I couldn't talk myself into or out of
Ending things or up with you.
The Whalers’ "Heatwave" depicts a twisted love story between two people who are determined to take the blame for a heatwave that is causing chaos across the South. The lyrics are loaded with symbolism and metaphors that give the song a deeper meaning. The first stanza sets the tone with the singer and their partner taking ownership of the heatwave, which is obviously not within their control. The second stanza implies a failing relationship that has long been overdue, and the lover’s sarcastic comment on waiting so long to end the relationship makes it clear that the heatwave is a figurative representation of their turbulent emotions. The third stanza takes a darker turn, with the singer claiming responsibility for a massacre downtown. This metaphor could represent the destruction of their relationship, with both parties being equal contributors. The chorus repeats the opening lyrics, with the use of a mirror indicating that the singer is imploring their partner to take responsibility for their part in their relationship’s downfall. The final lines of the tune suggest that the singer ultimately couldn’t bring themselves to follow through with their desires.
Line by Line Meaning
We're taking credit for the Heatwave across the South.
We want people to know that we caused the heatwave in the South and we want recognition for it.
Sure, it's silly dear but grab a mirror
And look what's dribbling outta your mouth.
Don't be ridiculous, dear. You're talking nonsense and making no sense.
You knew this day was coming, darling, didn't you?
We said we'd melt your heart out,
Didn't think we'd burn out so soon, did you?
You knew our love was slowly fading away. We promised to melt your heart, but didn't think we'd eventually lose the spark between us so soon.
I'm taking credit for the ashes on your lawn
And the only regret I've left to accept is
I waited so goddamned long.
I caused the destruction on your lawn and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
Our love's long been in cinders, Doll, admit it.
This flame has been impending
You just couldn't see me ending things with you.
Our love has been dead for quite some time, Doll. I saw the end coming, but you were oblivious to it.
We're taking credit for the massacre downtown.
If everybody thinks we're dangerous,
No one will hold us up or down.
You knew this day was coming, darling, didn't you?
You heard about our hit-list,
Didn't think we'd follow through though, did you?
We want people to fear us and believe that we are capable of anything. You knew we were capable of causing destruction in the downtown area but didn't think we'd actually do it.
You knew this day was coming. I'll admit it, too.
I couldn't talk myself into or out of
Ending things or up with you.
We both knew our relationship was coming to an end, and I couldn't convince myself to stay or leave.
Contributed by John L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.