The Wake

It is human nature to define. We love to neatly place and categorize the world around us. This disposition naturally influences our movies, food and CD collections. I have found a new sub-division within Indie Rock, which I have deemed Whimsical Rock

I first thought of this branch of music when I was given a Broken Social Scene CD. It seemed different then anything I had ever heard. It used sound to its utmost emotional ability. After that, I began seeking out other bands that sounded like this. I unearthed an entire assemblage of melodically-driven groups that had been buried in the pile of worn-out New Wave and ‘70s Revival bands. These bands were worthy of a name of their own and Whimsical Rock flashed in my head.

Whimsical Rock could be defined as rock-based, but electronically-influenced, music. It is predominantly melodic with fanciful lyrics, which could in essence be poetry. The music tests rhythm, experiments with a variety of sounds and breaks conventions of rock-n-roll and electronic music to combine the two in unique sounds. The word whimsical embraces what is at the heart of the music, an abandonment of what typically makes rock-n-roll. The music is groundbreaking and new.

Yet, it is not new. There is a tradition behind this kind of music. Bands such as Pavement, Belle and Sebastian and Modest Mouse have been around since the early ‘90s. Pavement is known for their fractured songs, sharp lyrics and intense feedback. They are less melodic then the other groups mentioned, but uniquely combine rock conventions and electronic touches (at least in the later part of their career). Belle and Sebastian hale from Scotland and are mellow in comparison to Pavement. Their music is sunny and light, but it conveys heavy subject matter with inventive lyrics. Modest Mouse matches Belle and Sebastian in inventiveness, but is more intense with their melodies. They are forceful and commanding of their acute guitars and electronic filler. Modest Mouse’s vocals are also distinctive because they are elevated above all else musically.

The tradition of Whimsical Rock has produced new bands like The Shins, The Postal Service and Broken Social Scene, while their predecessors still make music. These three bands put out new albums in 2003 and 2004, while Belle and Sebastian and Modest Mouse also released new albums recently.

The newer bands follow their fore-fathers with capricious lyrics and melodies, but add new flavor. The Shins use typical rock-n-roll instruments, yet somehow manage to make totally unusual sounds. Hyperactivity is exuded in their tempos and makes them novel in Whimsical Rock. The Postal Service also stands out because they are upbeat and hearty, as well as more electronically-based. Emotionally, The Postal Service is consistent and elevates the listener. Broken Social Scene also does this, but in a milder manner. Their songs differ to no end and provide a unique experience with each track.

Whimsical Rock is beginning to be identifiable on its own, thus drawing my attention to it and giving it some sort of name and category. There is something distinct about all these bands and none of them truly mimic each other. The same concepts are used by these bands to make unique and fanciful music that is gaining notice. Believe me; they need a category of their own.