(Frenchkiss / MOM+POP Records

www.momandpoprecords.com

Sometimes whimsical and fun, sometimes glum and pensive, no matter which word you use to describe Freelance Whales' debut LP it is consistently one adjective...impressive. Judah Dadone, Kevin Read, Doris Cellar, Jake Hyman and Chuck Criss have conspired to create a pop-folk album akin to Le Loup minus the water jug drumming and Sufjan Stevens minus the uniformed orchestra.

Dadone's genteel falsetto soothingly soars above the delicate music which effortlessly incorporates banjo, bass, keyboards, chimes, and harmonium - among other instruments. And while the music is catchy, Dadone's lyric writing is equally impressive. With "Starring" Freelance Whales manages to juxtapose optimism within "a stranger's nightmare;" and, when Dadone cheekily sings lyrics such as "don't be a player hater" in "Hannah" he manages to remain sincerely mature. Though the Queens quintet is still quite young in years, one listen to Weathervanes would lead you to believe otherwise.

Standout Tracks: "Starring," "Generator Second Floor" APRIL S. ENGRAM