The White Album – Conquistador (EP)

Spend a few minutes locked inside The White Album’s debut record Conquistador and you’ll be catapulted into their skewed parallel universe. 

Opening track Counting Treasures is representative of the album as a whole. Mournful acoustic guitar interweaves with atmospheric vocal stylings to create an impressive soundscape of delicate beauty. It’s understated, quietly confident in its execution, but not immediately conquering. Stick with it though, and you’ll reap the rewards. 

The arrangements on Conquistador perfectly complement the rootsiness of the lyrics. The sense of intimacy adds warmth to these often ethereally light songs, and at its best, proves that The White Album are immensely talented songwriters.

Although these fawning folk tales can come across as overblown sometimes, they are enchanting. It may well be a little too historic for some, but Conquistador demonstrates escapism at its best. With each listen it draws you in a little closer; new favourites emerge and ensnare you. A joy to behold, and to say this is a promising debut doesn’t do it justice. 

Naomi Couper

Conquistador is released on 24^th November 2012. For further information or to listen visit the band’s Bandcamp page here.

Watch the video for Your Mouth Is a Fist here: