Or, The Whale is that rare live act that packs a wallop from the stage while still preserving the beautiful nuances of its recordings. The San Francisco–based band draws upon country music without sounding overtly country, and its harmonies evoke the Anglo-soul and ache of the Mekons and Sandy Denny–era Fairport Convention. With three lead voices (two female, one male) soaring and intertwining over a foundation of acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars; keyboards; bass; and drums, Or, The Whale possesses a truly distinctive style that's moody and contemplative and but also rocks.
