Whitey‘s ‘Mental Radio’ is an explosive return from the enigmatic artist, blending biting social commentary with an eclectic mix of electronic, rock, and experimental sounds. Released in October 2024, the album showcases Whitey’s sharp political observations and raw emotional energy, filtered through a distinctive musical lens that has drawn comparisons to pop art in its satirical take on 21st-century life.
The opening track, one of the first released AA side tracks, is ‘WHEN DID I LAY DOWN AND DIE’, and opens the album with distorted guitar riffs, gradually layered with crashing guitars and a bass line that makes your head bob to the rhythm. All this then drops away, leaving a single beat, finally built onto by Whitey’s distinct vocals. The chorus of the song is irresistibly catchy with the song title lyrics “When Did I Lay Down And Die” being impossible not to pick up and sing along too.
The next track on the album is the focus AA side track, ‘CHERRYADE’. Starting with the sound of a can being opened, it instantly draws the listener in. The beating bass and Whitey style distorted guitars ignite a foot tapping groove, making the track into a true anthem-like banger. Lyrics like “Don’t start thinking cause you might wake up. Keep on sipping on your poison cup” tell a story of deep meaning, and that our perspectives are selective, creating a distorted reality.
Whitey goes all out in next track ‘LITTLE PIGGIES’, which is an infectious track sure to fill the dance floor with its energetic rock vibes. More importantly though is the compelling message making the it more than just the song. On ‘LITTLE PIGGIES’, Whitey explains “The song started from a place of amused cynicism at many peoples inability to see The Wolf before their eyes, then gradually became a song with a more urgent feel as events unfolded over the last few years. The lyrics evolved too, taking in elements from Three Little Pigs, Animal Farm, and classic protest posters. The music also became a journey from a sixties feel through to a modern climax, reflecting the ongoing need for people to see clearly, make a choice, use their voice- and stand up. At heart it’s about whether you follow without reason, or take a stand- you make that choice. As for me: I want to ring the fire alarm, not pour more fuel on”.
Released as the focus track single on the day the album was released, ‘THIS IS FOREVER’ captures the essence of optimism and is driven by captivating and uplifting guitar riffs. Whitey expands “I came from a rundown town in a rundown era. and that made all the kids very cynical. We’d walk aimlessly around at night, expecting nothing to happen… nothing good anyway. Then one night I met someone who hit me like lightning-and the place lit up for me, transformed. This song is about when life bursts into energy-and even if it can’t last forever-for a brief moment it’s perfect.”
Arguably the most infectious track on the album, ‘DEAR UNIVERSE’ delivers an irresistible dance groove. Whitey’s echoing vocals, persistently pleading for the universe’s attention, intertwine with raw, crunching guitar riffs to create a thrilling, pulse-pounding experience. The song builds to a dramatic close with the repeated line, ‘Maybe I’ll find another universe and start again,’ followed by a hauntingly dystopian voicemail message, leaving listeners to wonder whether Whitey truly did find another universe.
With its offbeat guitars and clanking cowbells, the intro to ‘BAD ENERGY’ instantly sets the stage for a chaotic yet captivating experience. The disjointed rhythm persists throughout the track, creating an ever-building atmosphere of angst. Complemented by the defiant lyrics, “and every day a little more bad energy,” the song truly lives up to its name. It’s a high-energy anthem sure to ignite mosh pits everywhere.
Overall, ‘MENTAL RADIO’ is a reflection of the chaotic and fractured world we live in, told through a wide array of musical influences, ranging from rock’n’roll and punk to electronic and ambient music, creating an unpredictable but cohesive sound. His fans, spanning generations, will appreciate the sharp creativity and multi-genre experimentation that make Whitey’s work so difficult to categorise. The album is as politically charged as it is musically innovative, making it a must-listen for those seeking something fresh and thought-provoking. It is an ambitious and captivating project that cements Whitey’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for him.