Andrew Whiteman is quite the multi-tasker! While serving as lead guitarist of the famed Broken Social Scene, his other side project with bassist Julian Brown and drummer Dean Stone, called Apostle of Hustle, has released its second full-length, Eats Darkness. With its Latin American folk vibes - an evident influence of Tom Waits - and a creative indie vibe all around, get ready to be floored by this trio’s latest work.
When listening to Eats Darkness, it’s hard to forget that Andrew Whiteman, lead guitarist and vocalist of Apostle of Hustle, has spent some time in Cuba. Back when it was a quartet, the group played Brazilian and Cuban folk tunes in Havana, and you can definitely detect the influence throughout this album.
I don’t know what it is about him on “Eazy Speaks”, but I can’t help but to liken Whiteman’s vocals to those of Arcade Fire’s Win Butler. When I first heard the song, I thought I was listening to a lost track from Neon Bible. Either way, I wasn’t disappointed, this track can hold its own. Whiteman is clever: he has a creative way to capture your attention with his unassuming, honest vocals and boyish guitar riffs. Plus, with lyrics like, “I drink rain and piss out acid”, you can expect nothing short of an adventure from the record.
“Soul Unwind” is full of fun sounds; whether it’s the constant, fast-paced strumming, a Spanish-sounding horn (possibly a clarinet or sax), swashing drums, or the cute, repetitive vocals of an unnamed feminine contributor, you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy this song even a little bit. It’s definitely danceable, and if nothing else, it’s a bit of frivolous fun. If the modern music scene needs anything these days, it’s spontaneity and creativity, and “Soul Unwind” definitely delivers both. Sure, the track might be a bit long, but it’s still worth your attention.
There’s definitely one thing that makes this Apostle of Hustle record stand out from other indie pieces: sprinkled throughout the album are a few half-minute or one minute tracks. The first track, “Snakes”, sounds like a clip right out of HBO’s drama, The Wire. It’s filled with car screeches, police sirens and walkie-talkie chatter. “Sign,” on the other hand, makes it sound like Godzilla has come to town! It’s interesting, though; there’s an organ-type instrument in the background, set against sampled screams and gunfire. Kind of chaotic, isn’t it? “What Are You Talking About?” takes a snippet right out of some sort of Latin American boxing ring, complete with a first-person account of a “revolution”. It’s very short, but it’s filled with Apostle of Hustle’s indubitable artistry.
“Perfect Fit” sounds like Sublime meets New Order. That is, if Sublime was into an echoing, techno-reggae, sea-shanties kind of style. With drums sampled in various ways and a lack of any other instrumentation (does synth count?), this track is really chill. Looking for the next chapter of your summer party mix? Give this one a spin, and you might be pleasantly surprised by its psychedelic, yet futuristic vibe.
If it weren’t for Whiteman’s warm, friendly vocals on “Xerses”, I’d be convinced that this track was some sort of lost work of The Bravery or once again, the Arcade Fire. For a good portion of the track, Julian Brown’s basswork takes prominence, which is always great to hear on any (indie) album. Let’s not forget Dean Stone’s drumming, which serves as the perfect compliment to Whiteman’s harmonies.
As soon as “Whistle In The Fog” cracks open, you’ll notice the overarching sense of harmony amongst Whiteman, Brown, and Stone. The intro has a very relaxed, almost reggae vibe to it, all complete with Whiteman’s soothing vocals. Not long after the intro cuts out, the track swirls into indieland, something to which this album is an obvious testament.
The title track, “Eats Darkness”, might just be the most beautiful song on the entire album. Whiteman’s guitar playing is the perfect thing to listen to, while you soak your feet in the ocean. You can definitely still hear Brown, as his bass talents blend with Whiteman’s in monochromatic, melodic harmony. And let’s not forget about Dean Stone, whose drumming is calming and peaceful. If I could liken this track to anything, I might be inclined to think of Depeche Mode’s “Love Thieves”, from Ultra. For this track, grab your beach chair and your lemonade, sit back, and relax.
“Return to Sender” is another short clip, filled with gunfire (again), and a carousel-type melody, all behind a narrator’s spoken account, which transforms from a female perspective to that of something like a cartoon (Stephen King’s It came to mind). With such a statement as “the world ends when you’re dead”, this little track is unforgettable.
“How To Defeat A More Powerful Enemy” is full of that Latin American style you’ve become accustomed to on this album, with a taste of The Police and a little bit of The Bravery. There are bouncy riffs, swashing drums, and Brown’s backing bass, which sounds a little dark and synth-like. While it’s not always easy to determine what Whiteman is singing about, it is easy to understand that he and his Apostle cohorts are dedicated to their sound, and that’s something that anyone can appreciate.
“Nobody Bought It” is yet another one of those little clips that are present throughout the entirety of Eats Darkness. Like “What Are You Talking About?”, “…It” takes a hint from some sort of Latin American boxing match, while pairing it against that cartoon-like voice from “Return to Sender”, making the track a patchwork of all sorts of audio clips.
The final track, “Blackberry”, is a good note to end this album on. It’s danceable and fun, and with lyrics like “Do you miss me, Blackberry?”, you can’t help but laugh. I love this song, and it’s a great way to end a really interesting album.
All in all, Eats Darkness might just be Apostle of Hustle’s best work to date. With its unforgettable Brazilian and Cuban influences matched with samplings of pure indie rock delight, you have to give this album a chance, if only for it’s sheer creativity. As a trio, Whiteman, Brown, and Stone bring something fresh to the indie realm. I can safely say that this album is definitely earning a permanent spot in my music library for this summer, and I hope you give it a chance, too.
Eats Darkness was released on May 19, 2009 through Arts & Crafts Records in Canada.
Track List
1. Snakes (0:29)
2. Eazy Speaks (3:19)
3. Soul Unwind (5:29)
4. Sign (1:21)
5. Perfect Fit (3:22)
6. Xerses (4:28)
7. What Are You Talking About? (0:25)
8. Whistle in the Fog (4:23)
9. Eats Darkness (2:58)
10. Return to Sender (0:56)
11. How to Defeat a More Powerful Enemy (3:13)
12. Nobody Bought it (1:11)
13. Blackberry (4:12)
