Whitney’s San Diego show

USD Radio Editor Jonathan Munsterteiger reviews the band Whitney’s recent album 

Jonathan Munsterteiger / Contributor / The USD Radio

Album: Forever Turned Around
Label: Secretly Canadian
Release Date: Aug. 30, 2019
Venue: Observatory North Park
Concert Date: Nov. 3

Chicago-based Indie-rock group Whitney, headed by former Unknown Mortal Orchestra drummer Julien Ehrlich and former Smith Westerns guitarist Max Kakacek, released their debut album “Light Upon the Lake” in 2016. Let me preface this by saying I love this album. It has remained a favorite of mine every year since its release, evidenced by my year-end most-played list on Spotify always including almost every track of the album scattered somewhere throughout. “Light Upon the Lake” is about as uncontroversially enjoyable as an album can get. Each song is immaculately crafted and just long enough that they never get repetitive but always leave you wanting to play it again. The instrumentation is clean and intelligent without being boastful, and the songs are light and easygoing while remaining actively engaging. Everything on this album is perfect in the way that makes every listen feel like coming back to an old friend. “Light Upon the Lake” is a refreshing beverage on a late summer evening; it’s the shimmering, golden thoroughfare of a sunset reflected on a crystal clear lake as it dips below the horizon. 

Earlier this year, Whitney released their sophomore album “Forever Turned Around.” Whitney’s sound is familiar on this album as Kakacek’s tasteful guitar leads and Ehrlich’s elegant vocals remain a potent combination; backed up by a horn and string section that fills the space in the songs with triumphant swells and bittersweet fades, every track unfolds into a beautiful tapestry of lush instrumentation. The songwriting on the album is less energetic, but noticeably more mature. The songwriting is more subdued as Whitney tackles heavier themes this time around. In lieu of the upbeat drive and infectious refrains that are scattered throughout “Light Upon the Lake,” “Forever Turned Around” instead slows it down to a more meditative pace which is simultaneously the albums greatest appeal and weakness. The slower pace fits the tone of the album, but I found myself missing some of the more upbeat tracks that were delivered on their previous album. If “Light Upon the Lake” is a late summer evening, then “Forever Turned Around” is the melancholy that sets in as the summer turns to fall. 

Sunday night, Whitney brought their “Forever Turned Around” tour to San Diego, playing at the Observatory in North Park. The entire show was a tasteful affair; with a seven-man ensemble, none of the lush instrumentation of the album was sacrificed for translation into a live performance. Frontman Ehrlich was at home behind his drum set, perfectly keeping rhythm while providing lead vocals. Not hindered by the lack of mobility of being stuck behind a drum set, he naturally interacted with the audience, making conversation between each song. Ehrlich’s personality as a frontman only adds to the charm of Whitney’s music and his honesty as a songwriter came through in his stage banter as he joked,“We’ve got two more songs left. Except we’re just going to do the thing where we pretend to leave and come back – so we’re actually playing six more songs.” 

Kakacek was also prominently at the front of the stage, delivering flawless guitar licks throughout the set as he seamlessly transitioned between distinct riffs like “No Woman” or tasteful slide guitar to accent the melodies throughout their repertoire. He is well-known for his slide-guitar techniques. 

Though the performance was pristine, the lack of energy in many of the new songs can be somewhat of a hindrance to a live performance. Whitney’s gorgeously crafted songs sounded as good as ever, but I found myself wishing there was less time in between songs like “Polly” or “No Matter Where We Go” where the danceable grooves give the audience something to move their feet to, or “Golden Days” with its soaring sing-along outro. For Whitney fans, enjoying the live arrangements is enough, but newcomers to the music might be left wanting for something with more energy. 

Whitney stayed true to their sound with their live performance. The music evoked its signature blend of warm familiarity and wistful yearning. Fans of the band got to bask in the golden aura that seems to constantly emanate from their songwriting while newcomers were treated to immaculately crafted renditions of some of the best indie rock you’re likely to find.