Noah and the Whale – Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down

Review

Noah and the Whale really made a splash with their debut album, "Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down." There's something so wonderfully captivating about the way they marry the buoyant sounds of acoustic guitar and glockenspiel with the heartache of young love. It's like they're speaking right to that part of us that remembers the sting of a crush that didn't crush back. And let's talk about earworms—their song "5 Years Time" was everywhere thanks to that Saturn commercial, and who could resist that ukulele?

The further you dive into the album, the more you find these beautifully melancholic tracks, rich with strings and earnest emotions that show off just how versatile these Londoners are. And sure, there might have been a few folks who didn't quite get caught up in the charm, but in an indie scene that was really digging that sweet, whimsical sound, Noah and the Whale fit right in. The album is like a favorite novel – full of light, shade, and characters you feel like you've known your whole life, wrapped up in melodies you can't help but hum along to. It's a lovely listen that sticks with you. - Courtney