Whalers

Whalers has grown up in the five years since its formation, but the group hasn’t forgotten the infectious, boyish vitality that helped carry them out of the rehearsal space and onto some of Austin’s most reputable stages. From a collection of towns around Texas, the five men of Whalers rallied together in Austin in 2009 and have released two EPs and will release their first full-length album, Submarine Sun, in April 2014. Though their recordings are packed with an untouchable energy, Whalers’ contagious vigor is best felt in their live performances. The group’s music is a striking blend of power-driven rock, complete with strong riffs from Dan Martin and Kyle Rother (guitars), and smooth, dreamy surf rock, reminiscent of bands like Real Estate and Wild Nothing. Gus Smalley (vocals) and Mitch Bertram (drums) stitch the two sounds together seamlessly, and bold lines from Amir Mozafari (bass) drive the band’s collection of songs forward with every beat. Mingus Magazine said the band is “making music that flirts with disaster,” which is a statement that’s especially apparent on the boisterous track “Chrome Ocean” from their upcoming release, Submarine Sun. The album was recorded in Austin at Good Danny’s (White Denim, Okkervil River, Shearwater) and a South Austin studio space, and was mixed by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket) who also mixed the band’s first EP, 2010’s How The Ship Goes Down. On their first LP, Whalers has found the line that separates cool from calamity and perfected the art of skirting it. Whalers manages to stand out from the rest of the crowded Austin indie rock scene by blending genres and a range of influences that spans from The Yardbirds to The Strokes. With a base of energetic, captivating tracks in their repertoire, the future is bright for the Austin band. www.whalersband.com Embracing idiocy since 2009