Noah and the Whale - Last Night on Earth (2011)

After the endearing heartbreak of Charlie Fink's post-heartbreak catharsis captured eloquently on 2009's The First Days of Spring, Noah and the Whale return with something a bit more upbeat. Trading in their folksy canter for dancier beats, sunnier arrangements, and uplifting lyrics, Last Night on Earth is a celebration of life: the answer to the pervasive melancholy of the previous album. Despite the more pop and rock influenced sound, Last Night on Earth still resembles the Noah and the Whale fans remember thanks in part to Fink’s narrative lyricism. Whereas First Days of Spring was continuous and interconnected, Last Night of Earth’s tracks have a definitely stand-alone quality connected in album form mainly through the reoccurring theme of living life to the fullest. The first three tracks (“Life is Life”, “Tonight’s the Kind of Night”, and “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N) actually sound pretty much the same lyrically: It’s not until “Wild Thing” where the listener is offered up something completely different. That’s not to say that the album’s three tracks are bad or unoriginal, rather they seek to establish a story much like the previous album did as a whole. The setup is what makes energetic, celebratory tracks like “Give It All Back” and “Waiting For My Chance” feel unforced; genuine and sincere. That’s when the album really hits its stride. After shedding the purely pop rock-esque vibe, the talents of Noah and the Whale’s members are best utilized with driving, delightful instrumentals.

Last Night on Earth is a major step for Noah and the Whale proving that the band is able to properly integrate new influences without losing any of their charm or sounding like an entirely new band. The band also re-introduces female backing vocals in a big way: explosive gospel-reminiscent appearances on “Tonight’s the Kind of Night” and “Old Joy”. Last Night on Earth is a definite success, proving there’s life after heartbreak in an entertaining way. It’s an album (that unlike its predecessor) you can crank at any time guiltlessly and simply enjoy.