Freelance Whales Promise New Album at New York Gig

The crowd at New York's Webster Hall was in a playful mood as they waited for the show to begin at Wednesday's Freelance Whales gig. They sang along to Men at Work's 'Land Down Under' as the buzz of anticipation and the lure of the fun to come fluttered around the room. And then, the canned music stopped, the house lights were turned down and the band walked onstage to affectionate applause. The stage was lit by green and yellow lights as the room became filled with the low, throaty hum of a harmonium, joined by a whimsical child-like melody played on a glockenspiel and the plunk and twang of a banjo as the band kicked into 'Generator First Floor' from their 2010 debut 'Weathervane.'

Freelance Whales combine a lyrical, traditional American folk sensibility with a grab bag of other influences and musical approaches to end up in a place that is unique and modern. Still, they hit all the right primal buttons to make music that is eerily familiar, yet somehow feels forgotten or misplaced. It's like finding an old classic album in your collection that you only listened to once.

Mixing old-school instruments with modern technology wrapped around a traditional rock 'n' roll drum, guitar and bass foundation, they're tapping into very essential musical history with not only aplomb but a sense of wonder. It's not too shabby for a band that is little more than two years-old and came together via Craigslist.

It's been a whirlwind year for the Queens, N.Y.-based group. They re-released their debut album, and embarked upon their first big tour, documented in Spinner's Road Reports. Yet, for all the success, it was apparent during the show that the band was both pleased and relieved that the end of the tour was upon them. A new phase was about to begin.

Mid-set, front man Judah Dadone smiled at the cheering audience, a genuine sense of appreciation on his face. "Thanks for bringing us home in this fashion. It's really nice," he said. The band launched into 'Hannah,' its playful opening melody bringing smiles to faces throughout the room. The fans didn't want it to end, and neither did the band. "We're going to go away for awhile and make some new stuff," bassist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Doris Cellar said. The crowd cheered wildly, already imagining music that has yet to be created. "Next time we come back, we'll have a new album," Jacob Dadone added. With that, Freelance Whales finished their set and called it a year.