It’s Delightful, It’s De-Lovely, It’s Decider.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 By Mikayla Khramov
It’s hard folk and rock and roll. It’s that feeling you get when you’re on the road, and you roll down the windows, and you turn up the stereo. That free-spirit sensation-that’s what you get when you put in Brian Whelan’s Decider
Whelan is currently touring in country-star Dwight Yoakam’s band, playing keyboard, rhythm guitar, accordion, and anything else Dwight hands him. With Dwight, he has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and David Letterman. This multi-instrumentalist has performed with many other talented musical artists, but now, it’s Whelan’s turn to take the spotlight.
Synchronistic with its release date on Election Day, the album will win you over at the start with the title track. “Decider” packs a powerful punch. We’re talking Black Keys meets Mumford and Sons. But it also takes you back to a neo-classic sound of Plimsouls meets Wilco, some Zeppelin, and a certain Nick Lowe influence.
One of the most refreshing songs is “Everything.” It’s a song of gratitude, appreciation, and confidence. Whelan sings, “There’s so much that I got,just some lucky breaks I caught”. He transmits a humble yet powerful message about loving what you have and living in the world you make for yourself.
“’Everything’ was written with my friend Ross Flournoy – he had that first verse and chorus and I wrote the rest. It’s basically a positive message, because I do feel like I have a great life,” Whelan said.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, check out “Brand New Love Song.”. With female vocal accompaniment, it’s got love, it’s got heartbreak, it’s got cool, “…And the only saving grace is that it rhymes”. But if you have a taste for bass, turn up “Who’s Fooling Who”. It’s almost unreal how silky the beat sounds. This combo of twang and crash will rattle your head sets.
“’Who’s Fooling Who’ was definitely inspired by Yoakam, musically speaking. The lyric is just a plain old-fashioned breakup story,” Whelan said.
For a real rock jolt, check out “Mojave High”. It’s a countrified Chuck Berry-style jam. And before you can cool down, Whelan jumps into “Sharp Teeth”, a highly energetic, but oh-so-clearly catchy tune. The acoustic guitar and tambourine add rootsy juice to this clever and quick-sped percussion concoction. Every song, every melody is a breath of fresh air, but it’s his voice that truly sets him apart from artists of today-a voice like smooth glass, like cool rain.
You can buy Brian Whelan’s Decider on iTunes or order it on Amazon.com. You’ll be glad you did. It will make an epic addition to your music collection.
Whelan was recently interviewed by Moheak Radio. You can also read more about him and Decider on Whenyouawake.com, Buzzbands.com, and at his website. He also has an upcoming show on Tuesday, February 12 at Amplifi in Los Angeles. Tickets are $8. He will be joining Phoebe Bridgers for an acoustic set at 8:00pm. Visit the event on Facebook at Phoebe Bridgers / Brian Whelan !!! Solo Acoustic Show @ Amplyfi. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Brian Whelan live.
