The debut from the artists formerly known as Fear of Flying has been much hyped, and with good reason; it debuted at number one in the UK Album Chart. Not bad going for a relatively unknown band. But on listening to their album ‘To Lose My Life’, it soon becomes clear why these kids have taken the rock world by storm. Comparisons to Interpol and Joy Division are well-deserved and there is no doubt that the album is indeed a polished performance. Uneven in parts, however, it still remains to be seen whether White Lies can reach the lofty heights of their predecessors and peers.

Billed as post-punk indie – whatever that means – White Lies are essentially alternative rock at the heavier end of the scale. Opening track ‘Death’ edges from subdued beginnings to a catchy chorus and rousing close more than fit for the album that follows. ‘A Place to Hide’ also boasts an instantly memorable chorus, but it is ‘Farewell to the Playground’, which really stands out, and saves the album from its middle-stage spread. Final track ‘The Price of Life’ provides a captivating close to the album and an open-top car parade for Harry McVeigh's voice.

Although the record as a whole leans towards morbid fascination (sample lyric from title track 'To Lose My Life': "Let's grow old together, and die at the same time"), this does little to detract from their decidedly commercial appeal. And while they fail to maintain this venom throughout the album, the beginning and end of ‘To Lose My Life’ are thrilling enough to compensate, producing a record still recommended for all alternative rock fans looking for a slightly new sound. There is no doubt that White Lies have huge potential; let’s just hope their next offering will successfully cement both their new sound and fanbase.

7/10

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