Music Review: The Cab “Whisper War”

When I made my great pilgrimage this year to the Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour in order to pay my homage to the Cobra, I was being told by a number of my friends about the group of young kids opening for them, The Cab.

I scored some of their music prior to the show and was pretty impressed. But, like many young acts, I figured they would be great on CD and kind of meh on stage. And then I had to eat my words, which sucked, ’cause they were kinda pointy and less than filling.

Since seeing them live, I have eagerly anticipated The Cab‘s debut album, Whisper War. Despite some early reports of the music being overproduced and totally unlike the live show, I had high hopes. And I was not let down.

The sound is extremely soulful, a breath of fresh air in a scene mostly filled with pop-punk. It’s more funk, or as the boys describe it on their myspace, soul. The album IS different from a live show, but that’s part of what makes the band so exciting for me. The CD and the Live Show are experiences in and of themselves, both are completely worth the ride and you won’t be let down. And both highlight lead singer Alex DeLeon (or “Singer Alex,” since there are three Alexes in the band)’s soulful, expressive, and well-ranged voice as well as guitarist Ian Crawford’s impressive skills.

And while it might make me sound like a dirty old woman, it certainly helps that they’re all very easy on the eyes.

While the CD is far from perfect (the boys are after all still trying to find themselves as a band, something most groups don’t achieve until their third or fourth album, and the music is a bit too heavily produced) it’s one of the most impressive debut albums I’ve heard in a long time. Dare I say it, more impressive as a debut than Panic at the Disco‘s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out? Yes, I do dare say it.

Stand out tracks include That 70’s Song, Risky Business, and One of THOSE Nights, which features Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco and Patrick “I’m 24 now and more awesome than you” Stump of Fall Out Boy.

Even if you’re not normally a fan of bands pimped by Pete Wentz, give these guys a try. Their sound is complex, their enthusiasm is evident and their talent hasn’t even begun to show itself.

Whisper War releases April 29.

For another FANTASTIC review, check out this one by Cubist Manifesto!

Also check out The Cab on FOE and join in on the Whisper War.