Limestone Whale – Self-Titled Review

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Retro Rock from the shadows of the Bavarian Forest

Based in Schwandorf, Germany, Limestone Whale is composed of vocalist Clement Hoffer, guitarist Flo Ryan Kiss, bassist Renè Preiß and Maximilian Brev on drums. They create a unique and fresh sound, mixing heavy-/70s- rock, blues, psychedelic and stoner with more modern elements like grunge.
They somehow sound retro (sorry for using this word ) – without trying to do so.

In 2014, after they’ve released their first EP (with drummer Andreas Urban and Clement singing/playing bass at the same time), they already blew up dust in the scene. You don’t feel the refreshing breeze from the deep Bavarian Forest? – Would be a lot cooler if you did! Three years later, with a new drummer and bassist they released their self-titled debut via StoneFree Records (Austria) on May 27th. The band also thanks their former bassist Christian Gaube for taking part in the early songwriting process.

The album was recorded at BigSnuff Studio in Berlin. It is available on vinyl, CD and digital download. The special blue vinyl, limited to 100 copies, is already sold out.

How is the sound?

Concerning the various influences, I will write a few sentences about each song to give you a first impression.

The opener “Ambrosia” is a perfect example of a song that builds itself up. Starting with bluesy and dreamy guitar, then the riff hails in, which is supported by the drums – until it is completed with the bass and vocals. Later on, the song speeds up and a great guitar solo is delivered. Altogether the song is groovy and more heavy-/stoner rock based.

The “Tale Of The Snow Child” begins with dreamy, psychedelic guitar and bass. During the time the tale gets a halting, fuzzy kinda doom-/grunge-vibe.

“W” is one of the calmer, laid-back songs, including a quick psychedelic-stoner-like side-trip.

The powerful song “Swarms” starts with a heavy and groovy bass-line and surprises us with partly German lyrics that are quite mystical – when I heard it the first time I was a bit confused, because it’s simply not usual in that genre. But: it is a welcome change and fits pretty perfect. Props to Limestone Whale for daring something completely new.

The hymn “A Book I Have To Close” is the most relaxed and smoothly song of the album. They even integrated a synthesizer at the end (at least it sounds like one), can you hear it?

No worries, you won’t get bored after this ballad. Now you are prepared for the hit “Paralyzed In Paradise”. This song not only kicks asses but also gives you a great earworm thanks to the catchy riffs – that’s mainly the reason I named it as my fav song although the other songs are valuable and nice in their own way.

“An Allegation” ends the album: laid-back, bluesy rock which is focused on the vocals and even a bit of melancholy.

However, this album shows their skills and talent at all events, so I’m already looking forward to some new material from them!

Why is this album worth listening to?

The sound of Limestone Whale is rich in variety whilst mixing different styles from blues to doom.
Their songwriting skills are on fleek

In what situation you should listen to this album?

Perfect for hanging out and drinking beer with your friends (btw, you should drink Naabecker beer to reach the Limestone Whale-vibe, because it’s their favorite brand.)
In concert! They slay live – Several concerts and two Europe-tours pay well. Whenever you have the chance you can see them live: take it!

Something particular to note?

They will be on a Europe-tour with Asteroid this autumn. Better go and look at the tour dates, so you won’t miss them.
You definitely have to check out the music videos for Paralyzed in Paradise and The Wizard (from their former EP). Made me laugh my head off!
Richard Behrens (former Samsara Blues Experiment member) recorded and mixed it respectively helped to produce it
The logo and fall tour poster was done by talented Nikolaus Simml