Harry McVeigh, Charles Cave, and Jack Lawrence-Brown are White Lies, and Five is the Earling, London band's fifth studio album. Formerly known as Fear of Flying, the trio's earlier works drew comparisons to Joy Division. White Lies' sound has progressively lightened up w/ each album release, and for Five, the group takes a decidedly more pop direction, although its post-punk roots are still felt in each song. Pairing synthetic instrumentals w/ McVeigh's deep, gothic vocals, the album includes highlights like "Finish Line," "Jo?," "Time to Give," and "Fire and Wings"— exciting guitar/synth riffs, bombastic rhythms, and catchy, spirited hooks.

• 180g pressing
• printed insert
• music label: [pias] 2019

reviewed by singing in japanese 02/19