Whistleblower by Will & The People (Album)

Will & The People (Photo: Harry Hitch)

Will Rendle and his globe-trotting alternative rock band return to London with an eclectic third album that stubbornly defies categorisation

ho is Will and his people, you ask? Predictable run-of-the-mill indie fodder? Far from it. Whistleblower is the London four-piece’s third album, and like the multicultural soup of our capital city, it’s an exhilarating mix of influences.

Formula kicks things off, living up to their label’s moniker Baggy Trouser Music, with Kasabian-sized swagger. Shaky Ground keeps the indie-dance grooves rolling, then things get really interesting. Will’s sure-footed rhythm section segues from disco to reggae and back again in Trustworthy Rock (ironically titled as that’s one genre it avoids), Lay Me Down takes another schizophrenic turn, twisting elegantly from full-throttle ska to balls-out soul for its gloriously zealous chorus, then the likes of Plasters and Baby hit the pomp of Muse and art-pop territory of Vampire Weekend.

Vocally, there’s evidence that the band’s collaboration with Passenger has rubbed off on Will’s nasal delivery, but he also achieves the raw power of Paolo Nutini (possibly from their stint supporting the Scot) and the People’s harmonies are thrilling.

Will & The People clearly pride themselves in keeping everyone guessing. As they defiantly sing on Jekyll & Hyde, “You don’t know me and I won’t change.” He’s probably right, but it’s a lot of fun finding out.

Verdict: Energetic, ambitious and inventive alt-rock that refuses to be pigeon-holed

Aaron Slater

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