Album Review: White Lies, Five

White Lies are celebrating a decade in action with their fifth LP, imaginatively titled Five.

The album was recorded on both sides of the Atlantic, with the band enlisting the help of super-producer Flood, as well as Ed Buller (most noted for his work with Suede).

Opener ‘Time To Give’ is an epic take on ’80s synth-pop, which eventually builds to a shattering climax. Next up are several cuts – ‘Never Alone’, ‘Finish Line’ and ‘Kick Me’ – that play like Erasure-meets-Joy Division.

The album’s stand-out tune is ‘Tokyo’, which finds Harry McVeigh passionately singing, “Call Tokyo, call New York/ It’s just the same but different love.” It’s an irresistible chorus. The quality dips with ‘Denial’ – a b-side at best – but grunge stomper, ‘Fire And Wings’, makes for a memorable closing track.

Overall, Five is White Lies’ strongest album since To Lose My Life… 

https://open.spotify.com/track/6fbgG2uFsBiUnOVhxXreQb?si=mHI1CxDOQUW76c-cNBclqQ