Northern Whale

“Northern Whale are years ahead of their age. This fresh-faced batch of teenage altrockers have honed a power pop sound all of their own - no small feat considering the local surroundings which tends to pigeonhole young groups simply because of the lack of exposure to diverse music. On "Reckless," Northern Whale is consitently fresh. It's a little along the lines of Jimmy Eat World, Artic Monkeys and The Cure in parts without falling prey to honing in on any single aspect of their influences. Very well done, and definitively a band the Mahoning Vally region and beyond needs to keep an eye on.” - B.J. Lisko

When listening to the young and fresh artists these days it’s very easy to get discouraged when so many of them out there have a slight tendency to either sound the same or sound as though they’re ripping their sound piece by piece from another band, but when you find something out there that stands alone and full of limitless potential—that is when it all becomes worth it.

Northern whale haven’t been around for too long, but already with their newest release Reckless they show an amazing amount of potential to hit it big. This is a band that could easily make its way onto the radio and signed to a major label. From wall-to-wall this EP is filled with creativity and heart. You can tell the band really enjoyed putting this together and didn’t just feel like it was more work. This is a great little Summer-time album that just makes you want to get out and enjoy the day. It sounds like a release from a band that’s been around since at least the nineties, and each member of this band is still quite young. Reckless shows what a few people can do when they really put their all into something. Northern Whale just might take this world by storm. - All in the Name of Music

Translating a passionate energy into upbeat and infectious alternative rock jams, Northern Whale draws musical influences from all over the spectrum and fuses them into one unique product. The young Ohio 4-piece has attracted the attention of the media and listeners with their developed characteristic sounds. With pounding drums, enthusiastic vocals, and driving guitar tones, Northern Whale sweeps listeners off their feet and carries them with irresistible indie-rock melodies. Though still early in their musical career, the musicians in Northern Whale clearly have a bright future in store. - step 3 Entertainment

Whether you discovered this band from their previous releases, or are just discovering them now, like myself, you will want to keep your eyes peeled to them. Northern Whale have proven they have what it takes and are no strangers to creating some pretty incredible alternative style music. And, because of that, I know I can say we will certainly be hearing a lot more from this band in the [near] future. - Basement Enterrainment

“I like the energy and electronica element of "Simon." This is a new vocal sound and it really steps up their game. The new record "Sailor of The Seven Seas" is dynamic, diverse, and demonstrates sonically just how far Northern Whale has travelled and matured; not only in songwriting, but in execution and performance as well. The new album is an impressive production. Northern Whale aint playin..they mean business..and business is good.” - Jimmyfro Show

“When you hear Northern Whale, a world of possibilities opens up, both FRIGHTENING and BRAVE. there is something so truthfully honest that you can't help but feel alive! The unusual combination of your cooler hot older brothers giving you a nod of approval.” - Healmyjeans

" Sailor of the Seven Seas is fantastic showcase of what alternative music should be. From start to finish this EP shows a maturity that bands who have been around twice as long have not been able to capture. This is a great summer album that washes over you a clean sonic experience that makes you hunger to see the band live. There is not one let down track on the EP. It is as solid of an effort from an up and coming band that I have seen in a very long time. Much love to the Whale for making music fun and interesting again! -iTunes Review "
- iTunes review (May 12, 2013) - iTunes

"The band, consisting of Capezzuto, along with guitarist Brandon Fisher, bassist Jake Stephens and drummer Seth Donchess, has a refreshing alternative rock sound. Influenced by the likes of The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines and Walk the Moon, Northern Whale’s debut EP, Sailor of the Seven Seas, incorporates indie sensibility and catchy modern alternative with a fresh young twist. Songs like “All I Want,” “New Beginning” and “Red and White” indicate a songwriting maturity that exceeds their years, and hints at exciting creative steps to come."
- Rick Polo, Raw Alternative (May 30, 2013) - the Raw Alternative

It’s rare when your ears meet the sound or sounds that come from a teen rock band and aren’t immediately covered by your hands. Northern Whale has something to say and they say it and play it with confidence. Stellar production, boomin drums, and driving raw distorted guitars garnished with moody guitars make for an unusually solid sound for such a young band - The Jimmyfro Show

"From the slower, methodical, lamenting vibe of ‘They Take It All’ to the more upbeat and indie-punk sounding ‘Ants!’, the group has a great diversity in tempo and style. They have landed a few big shows in the Ohio area, and are scheduled for the upcoming Ballyhoo Music Festival in Youngstown, OH. " - Chris, Cue the Sound

“Jake Capezzuto, Brandon Fisher, Jake Stephens, and Scott Davis form the band Northern Whale, a ground breaking group in the alternative music community that is sure to capture any indie music lover’s heart. Originally a guitar driven band, Northern Whale’s music has evolved into a holistic, rounded sound that carries the musical influences of the Vaccines, Walk the Moon, the Cure, and Jimmy Eats World.” - Style Redefine

“Northern Whale hails from Youngstown, Ohio and released an energetic EP in 2013 called Sailor of the Seven Seas. With musical elements ranging from thundering drums, good bass textures, distorted guitars, and emo vocals delivering clever and catchy lyrics, the group draws musical influences from across the alternative rock spectrum. Highlights from the EP include “New Beginning”, “Red and White”, and “Simon”” - Modern Rock Review

NORTHERN WHALE TAKES OHIO MUSIC SCENE BY STORM - The Jambar Youngstown State University

Back in September, The Indie Sound had the opportunity to cover Fashion Meets Music Festival in Columbus’ arena district. The festival opened so many doors for us and we were able to meet many talented musicians that still resonate with us to this day. On the first day as I walked through the crowd to discover new bands, one stood out the most. A small band from Youngstown, Ohio was doing a sound check on the Jagermiester stage playing none other than Walk The Moon‘s “Quesadilla”. The band recently revamped their overall sound with their new single titled “Deep”. The track shows us both an old side and a new side of the group. Northern Whale still sticks to its roots while straying to another style. Capezzuto’s unique vocal style flows smoothly alongside a foot-tapping drum beat and a summer-esque guitar lick. Once the chorus comes in, the trumpets do too giving the track more good vibes and happiness that surrounds it as a whole. - The Indie Sound