The much-vaunted young Canadian group works with a confidence that imparts a relaxed feel to their music. They aren't afraid to give their songs the time and space to breathe and develop. Part Polyphonic Spree with traces of Ben Folds -- and perhaps a little late-period Beatles thrown in for good measure -- dual frontmen Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester favor an unadorned singing style, which leaves room for the band's full sound to shine.
True to their indie pedigree, Said the Whale creates a winning mix of happy and sad musical themes producing music that is freighted with emotional heft, but it is never so heavy as to drag down the irrepressible melodies. The perpetually touring band recently released their third full-length album, "Little Mountain."
All photos by Louis Kwok.
