‘Dirty pole dance stoner blues rock’ duo White Miles aren’t your average pair. With a tone that oozes an essence of 70’s rock and roll with no hint of lackluster, they’re on a musical mission. After supporting Courtney Love on her UK tour earlier this month, Madagascar hailed White Miles are ready for their own taste of the spotlight. Their debut album Job.Genius.Diagnose.Madness has a title as perplexing as the pair themselves. The record is said to ‘cruise through the deep and dark atlantic ocean, mixed with soul saving flights across the universe.’ Well, we’ll be the judge of that.
The album opens with an authoritative stance in ‘Fake Smile’ as drummer Lofi attacks the cymbals in sync with guitarist and vocalist Medina Rekic with a quirky, almost Joan Jett style. As an opener, its ferocious and doesn’t let off steam and seems to set the record in the context of rebellion, and breaking all the rules, not just with its song titles, but with its back to basics attitude. Follower ‘Do As The Devil Says’ continues in a stripped down approach as it allows gutsy old school vocals to reign supreme in a solemnly cryptical manner. Although this style of rock is becoming more infamously popular with the likes of The Pretty Reckless, While Miles’ attempts to make it their own in a pair is to be admired.
The undeniable highlights of this record are of its heavier, more plucky, quirky moments. ‘Into Your Spell’ takes on a lower undertone in its musicality that carries a sensuous core through almost arcane vocals and mystical guitar. Its other half ‘Cut Your Tongue’ is as restless as its companion. Its dash of blues with a dose of static guitars ending the track, its vocal use is limited but adds an almost eccentric interlude to the record. ‘Feinripp’ is possibly the quirkiest of them all. From what could be argued as feminist style lyrics mixed with an angst tone, its quirks add an element of The Runaways nostalgia to the album.
It seems as if there is a consistent feminist twist to the album, which is becoming a bit stereotypical, but regardless the pair’s ability to genre bend and create a unique style is to be applauded. ‘Salting Your Own Wounds’ takes on a more tranquil mellow tone, which sets itself apart from the angst and blues elements seen consistently. Its just one example of how the pair combine percussion, vocals and guitar sounds to conjure beauty in a variety of manners. However, it must be said that at times this record does become mundane. Unless this is the type of sound your ear lends itself to, its likely to become repetitive. It cannot be denied however that their attempts to strike a chord with the 70’s in a wacky and genius way will reign in the ears of many. Whilst it may not conquer the Universe, Planet Earth should be enough for this duo.
