It’s almost seven years since White Lies burst out of Ealing with a debut album filled with hard-hitting anthems defined by dark subject matter, eerie lyricism and an infectious yet refreshing post-punk sound that some compared to the likes of Joy Division. Despite these bold comparisons, and the undeniable brilliance of the record in question, White Lies still cease to be half as popular as they deserve to be, even after releasing their third LP.
Going back to where it all began, To Lose My Life, proves to be a truly remarkable record from front to back. ‘Death’ being a track that always crops up whenever I’m asked to decide on my top 5 favourite songs; maybe it’s the contrast of the uplifting instrumental and the dark lyrical content of fear and pain, or the triumphant keyboard sequence that instantly fills you with excitement for festival season. Either way, the fact that this track appeared on a debut album seems almost too hard to believe.
To Lose My Life is certainly no stranger to a catchy hook or two; take its title track for example with its protruding drums and sombre lyrics, “let’s grow old together and die at the same time”, or ‘Farewell to the Fairground’ and its poignant bridge, brought to justice by frontman, Harry McVeigh’s baritone vocals.
On paper, this album may not be everyone’s cup of tea as a result of its macabre lyrics and strict post-punk sound but when you listen to the record, track by track in all its anthemic glory, you can’t help but feel like a massive weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Written for PostMusicDepression.
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