Or, the Whale May 20, 2007

With seven crewmen cleverly working the banjo, keyboards, lap steel guitar, bass, drums, three guitars and four-part vocal harmonies, San Francisco-based or, the whale is creating both sights and sounds to light the way for the disenchanted souls of todays placid alt-country/folk scene. By fusing the heart-wrenching reality of country music and the down-home, made-for-you-and-me honesty of folk with a tenacious, raspy rock sound, or, the whale is firing off a sound so undeniably infectious that feet, when in their presence, have been known to skip the middle man and start movin on their own. 'Human Like a House' is the debut album from the effortlessly charming San Francisco duo the Finches. It gracefully rides the line between folk and pop. By the use of old organs, hushed drums, violin players and lyrics written years ago by a band members grandfather, Last of the Blacksmiths have crafted one of the best local albums to come out in recent years. Their show is a treat of harmonies, somber melodies and a swooning, bittersweet vibe.