W.H. Lung’s third studio album, Every Inch of the Earth Pulsates gives off big gig energy. Imagine the power of music pumping through a crowd, creating a buzz of excitement. This album has volumes of passion in both the concept of their live performances and the content of love songs galore. Not only is this release sonically powerful, but a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling.
Talking about the production of the album, they say “I like it when there’s clear punctuation at the start of the record”. True to their word, opening track “Lilac Sky” is a strong ascent to this new realm of W.H. Lung. Upwards through the momentum of rhythmic guitars swirling around hazy vocals. It feels as if they are casting a spell into the sky, throwing in a taste of everything to conjure up the tracks that follow.
We get taken through a blend of new-romantic and indie pop, which at times sounds gentle but will undoubtedly light up on stage. “Bliss Bliss” delivers vocals that surge with the overwhelming rush of love and you can almost hear the crowd singing it back already. “Thinner Wine” comes in as a light dance number with the euphoria of rising above it all.
Singles “Bloom and Fade” and “How To Walk” carry on with perfect sing along lyrics and synth that keeps the energy alive. The album captures its breath momentarily with the dreamy “Flowers In The Rain”, before punching out a good dose of electronica in “I Can’t Lie”. It’s a notable track which would not be out of place at an indie club night.
While the live presence is a big factor in the production of this album, you can’t ignore the penmanship. The band paint a picture of love that is all encompassing. It is both familiar and distinct, treading the line between comfortable and exciting. In a way it’s a little like the warm hug of a crowd, swaying jumping and singing in unison.
“The Painting of the Bay” reflects on life with a steady drum track and whimsical melody. A tale of some things never changing, for better or for worse. Rounding off the album is “I Will Set Fire To The House”, a sort of love on the run in a doomed world track. It is romantic and poignant, winding down the album while keeping the party going. The song fades out, pulsating as if it is everlasting, “dancing into the sunrise”.
To simply record a live performance in a studio would never fully replicate the sound of the stage performance, so clearly a lot of work has gone into crafting that feeling precisely. Melodies flow over pounding rhythms, while vocals roar and whisper in just the right moments. Working with producer Ross Orton has truly paid off, capturing the essence of W.H. Lung live and transporting us into some kind of virtual reality where the band are right there in front of us. Every Inch of the Earth Pulsates is a supersonic album, laden with shimmering synths, sharp guitar, and dynamic vocals. It glimmers with the promise of epic shows to come.