Secret and Whisper

Whimsical, expansive rock with androgynous, wailing vocals reigns supreme on Secret & Whisper's Great White Whale. If you're a diehard fan of the dramatic screamo scene and are proud to sport that Chiodos tee, then S&W will quickly rise to the ranks of your new favorite band faster than you can say, "Circa Survive!" The youthful album is lush, drenched with pretty, femme vocals. There are a few Moby Dick-sized riffs on "You Are Familiar" and "Vanishings," but for the most part, the ambient, spaced-out textures of these songs are quite reminiscent of Deftones' essential The White Pony; they're just updated with more feminine flair. The vocals are sure to shatter more than their fair share of mirrors, and while not for everyone, they do make the band stand out in an ocean of soundalikes. — Amy Sciarretto
03.21.08