Genre: Experimental / Guitar / Post Rock Availability: on request Enquiries: bookings@movingonmusic.com Live / Pre-record / Live-stream
Blue Whale are an experimental quartet from Belfast. Their aim has always been to veer away from the trappings of the traditional guitar-centric four-piece and in doing so have created a world of music like very little else. Their angular and atonal compositions tread fine lines between dance and discord, chaos and intricacy, with the resultant tension simultaneously provoking bewilderment and dancing. Their sound has been compared to the likes of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, Swans, Sonic Youth and Slint.
Recent performance highlights include a fully improvised set with Krautrock legend Damo Suzuki (CAN) and an original score written for archive film Hi Rise|Low Rise, which was performed live for the Belfast Film Festival.
Their debut album Process, described by The Quietus as a “cunning triumph” and nominated for the Northern Ireland Music Prize. Live, there are few bands that deliver as much energy, fun and sheer brilliance as Blue Whale. They are quite simply astonishing to watch.
“Fierce and playful, chaotic and under control, Process is a cunning triumph.” – The Quietus
“Irish album of the year” – The Thin Air
“The mathy, jazz-flecked brew hurtles through a thorny tunnel of riffs and percussive flailing – it should be utter chaos, but Blue Whale make it honeyed.” – The Line of Best Fit
“I really like Blue Whale… they kind of remind me of Albert Ayler playing with a bunch of kids that grew up on Steve Albini records.” – Andy Cairns, Therapy?