Instrumental segments are bittersweet. A lot of new bands don’t have the skill-set or the patience to rely on their instruments. They are over-zealous is making a name for themselves to the point where they think a catchy lyric is all the need to rest on their laurels. Although an infectious chorus is. . .well infectious, a great build-up can open you up to any song. Segue into Freelance Whales, who performed last night at Webster Hall. The five members of the band, composed of Doris Cellar, Chuck Criss, Judah Dadone, Jacob Hyman and Kevin Read, use an uncommon combination of instruments (think harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, synthesizers, guitars, bass, drums, waterphone), to create bubbly yet languid beats coupled with simple and harmonious lyrics to create a refreshingly graceful sound. Believe me, you don’t produce a track that is used for a Chevrolet commercial if you don’t have a happy feel and mass appeal.

Freelance Whales – Ghosting by BestNewBandscom

Opening for the Freelance Whales was Miniature Tigers who were crowd-pleasers, although the crowd was pretty hyped to begin with. The Whales played their “Generator^1 Floor” and “Generator^2 Floor” (of commercial fame) to bring the swaying crowd into a more frenzied buzz. My personal favorite was, “Ghosting”, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for a good glockenspiel and the sweet lyrics, “Do you ever run with him in the morning?/Think about jumping over the back fence?/Seven different places, never been mended/ all we use are our eyes to fill in most the gaps”. If I had to do a comparison I would say Freelance Whales are a cross-breed between Arcade Fire meets Ben Gibbard, and maybe a little touch of Owl City if I had to draw from a more mainstream band.

All of the songs played at the concert were from the Whales LP released in December of last year, Weathervanes, consisting of about 13 alternative songs categorized as, “mom and pop music”.  The band is great live, but the music isn’t a sound that is appreciated live. Since the beats are more drawn-out it’s hard to find a pulse to hold on to which makes the songs less attainable. The tracks are more like tunes you let jingle-jangle in the back of your mind, or chorus as a sound-track while you walk on the street, not really that concert-worthy unless you plan on singing along.