White Arrows – Dry Land Is Not A Myth

Score: 7.8/10
Votiv Music
White Arrows

Mickey Church, lead singer and songwriter of Los Angeles-based quintet White Arrows, was born blind. Through strong willpower and constant eye exercises, Church regained his eyesight at age 11, his fuzzy world becoming bright and clear. White Arrows’ debut album Dry Land Is Not A Myth serves as a musical reflection of Church’s spiritual journey (he has a degree in Ritualistic Shamanism) and his experience as he enters the visual world. His experiences in losing and gaining his eyesight translate into an interesting sound that conjures up dreams of soft and hazy psychedelic beach sunsets, bursting into brilliant, multicolored hues.

Dry Land Is Not A Myth features ten tunes filled with catchy hooks, lo-fi synthesizer beats and curious moments of experimentation with effects and instruments. At first the album does not seem very promising; opener “Roll Forever” begins with a confusing, synth-out intro. But progression is key, and the band’s courage to attempt different genres while at the same time never losing its distinctive psychotropical vibe provides uniqueness to the band’s sound that will make you appreciate the album in its entirety.

“Get Gone” sounds like the lovechild of reggae and new wave, original yet poppy enough that it would fit nicely on the soundtrack for “50 First Dates.” “Sail On” is a more hallucinogenic trip, and will take you to a blissful paradise, yet there’s a melancholic tone to Church’s vocals and lyrics that juxtaposes the overall cheerfulness of this song.

White Arrows’ dreamy synthpop with a tropical flavor sound just sets them apart from the typical electropop bands dominating the scene. No, this album is not love at first listen. Thankfully, first impressions don’t last forever in music. Dry Land Is Not A Myth has a colorful charm that urges you to stay awhile.