The Whitest Boy Alive
Rules

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Following the rapturous success of last year’s debut album ‘Dreams’ on Modular recordings,  The Whitest Boy Alive return for 2009 with their follow up album Rules released on their own label, Bubbles  
Rules, sounds a little less indie pop than their debut, and perhaps a little more disco - sometimes even a touch of house.  The Whitest Boy Alive’s unique sound remains however, with Erlend Oye’s (Kings of Convenience) distinctive vocals and a spare stripped down feel throughout.  
Rules was recorded in Mexico this summer where the band built a studio in a house by the beach.  The sessions, which were only interrupted for surfing and eating, resulted in about 300 different takes of eleven different songs, which now have been sifted down to what you now hear on this album.  Whereas its predecessor Dreams was a studio album which had to be taken on stage, Rules works the other way around.  This time the band recorded ideas which they gathered during soundchecks and live jams during the 120 gigs they played worldwide during 2007/2008.

The Whitest Boy Alive tend to follow their own Rules for recording - four guys in one room, playing live - no overdubs, no FX. The music is recorded live in one take. Nothing is added which cannot be played live by the band. They do this until they get it right, for as long as it takes. And probably nobody really wants to know how much effort is put into the mixing and the mastering of this album.
Keys player Nentwig, who just had a few feature appearances on Dreams, today sits hard and fast in the make up of The Whitest Boy Alive having mastered his 120 gig trial period flawlessly. The foundation for the live show is always kept concrete by drummer Maschat and bass-player Marcin Öz.  Whereas Maschat’s drums are hard and tight, Öz´s bass moves along over the whole album… jumping, rolling, pumping – but always seemingly effortless.  Not bad for a house DJ, but – he has big hands.
Last but not least, Erlend Oye sings with his distinctive fragile voice, which on the one hand seems a little out of place with the big disco sound, but on the flip brings an altogether more majestic sound to light.  The lyrics are often of a melancholic vibe, but juxtaposed with the disco feel of the music they equilibrate… making for a compelling listen.
The Whitest Boy Alive have acquired a steadily growing fanbase worldwide.  What happens now: Nobody knows. One thing is for sure: The stage is set for at least 100 more great live-gigs next year.  Prepare to enjoy.

TRACKLISTING:

Keep a secret
Intentions
Courage
Time bomb
Roller coaster ride
High on the heels
1517
Gravity
Promise less or do more
Dead end
Island