Culture Music

The White Album – Conquistador (EP)

The White Album – Conquistador (EP) | Album review

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 24th 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:

More in Culture

SXSW London 2025: The Institute

Mae Trumata

“This era has probably been the most collaborative that we have ever been”: Sam Rasmussen on The Paper Kites and the Somerset House Summer Series

Mae Trumata

Borough 22 and chef Kerth Gumbs launch limited-edition soursop doughnut

Food & Travel Desk

Coworth Park launches al fresco dining terrace Tide

Food & Travel Desk

Yotam Ottolenghi returns to Ibiza for one-night garden dinner at Atzaró this August

Food & Travel Desk

Bar Valette brings Basque pintxos hour to east London

Food & Travel Desk

Stereophonics at Finsbury Park

Hannah Broughton

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires

Christina Yang

“It was very interesting to read it, and have Tom DeLonge describe it”: Casper Van Dien on Monsters of California

Christina Yang