White Sea
In Cold Blood
May 19th, 2014
The sonic landscape that Morgan Kibby has created with the release of White Sea’s debut full length album, “In Cold Blood”, encompasses a broad spectrum of musical genres. Kibby, when not legitimately trapped in her own home by a giant cockroach, has found the time to remix dozens of tracks for other artists, write and record with M83, and create her own solo material for White Sea. It’s been said that a musician has their entire life to write their first album, but only a few short months to craft their sophomore release. Though not her actual debut release, the listener can tell that Kibby wasted no time while creating White Sea’s “In Cold Blood”. Each track was preciously crafted into a perfect musical gem.
The album’s opening track, “They Don’t Know”, finds Kibby’s soaring vocal prowess being pushed to the limits and exceeding any expectations her fans may have had. Kibby’s sultry purrs echo throughout the track. “Dear friend, just undress me. I am like glass in your hands,” Kibby breathlessly sings. “They Don’t Know” could easily be a subtle love note passed to a cute boy during math class. But that subtleness is thrown out the window during “Prague,” the album’s second track. There’s definitely a dark undertone hidden within the industrial bass lines of “Prague.” Two tracks into “In Cold Blood” and it’s apparent that this album’s inspiration was taken from Kibby’s own personal loves and loses.
The indie rock vibe of “Future Husbands Past Lives” is infused with a healthy dose of 80’s synth pop and continues to showcase Kibby’s ethereal vocals. Continuing on with “For My Love,” Kibby’s voice dances on gossamer piano chords before the bombastic bass lines kick the track into high gear.
The underlying urgency is carried on into “Ex-Pat.” The haunting melody of the track makes for a perfect heartbreaking interlude. The story being told through the songs on “In Cold Blood” are definitely written from the perspective of someone who’s had more than their fair share of heartache and love lost. On no other track is this more apparent that on “Ex-Pat.” Kibby repeats a few desperate lyrics over and over as the obsessive music builds to a crescendo.
“Small December” allows us a time to catch our breath and regroup our thoughts. Kibby’s hushed whispers build into long notes, entwined beautifully with soft piano chords and plucks of the violin.
Kibby isn’t all about doom and gloom being wrapped up with a tidy bow, she’s also about reflecting on life’s past experiences and moving forward onto better things. “NYC Loves You” kicks the listening experience back into high gear as Kibby channels her inner Pat Benatar. “Flash” once again allows us the opportunity to hear Kibby’s gentle vocals echo as they spiral and mix with thunderous bass lines and sharp smacks of the snare drum.
“It Will End In Disaster” makes for the perfect album bookend. It’s a gentle track but one that carries an ominous 70’s pop tone. “You were the edge and maybe someday you will be loved and it will end in disaster.”
Having been a member of M83 for so long, once can hear the subtle hints and chords of Kibby’s other band in White Sea’s music, but that’s to be expected from any artist who plays in multiple bands. I think Kibby influenced M83 as much as they influenced her and snippets of each band can be found in both band’s music, but it’s in White Sea that Kibby is able to truly express her muse.
As with each of the album’s tracks, no matter how heavy or rock filled the music is, there’s always an element of feminine softness and grace, all the while wrapping the majority of these creations in the soft embrace of a full orchestra. Not once does Kibby’s voice falter or waiver. Every track on this albums builds upon the previous and seamlessly blends into the next to create an album worthy for the most avid fan.
I hate rating albums. I may consider this album a 10, but you might think it’s a 7. I will say this through; Don’t cherry pick these tracks off of iTunes. Buy the album in its entirety. You won’t regret it.
