Whitney: Small Talk [Album Review]

Whitney
Small Talk
AWAL [2025]

“A breezy, late-afternoon groove that proves Whitney still shine brightest when they keep it simple and sincere.”

Album Overview: Whitney formed in Chicago in 2015 when Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich stepped away from Smith Westerns and started writing with a warmer, more soulful touch. Their debut Light Upon the Lake introduced them as careful craftsmen with a gift for melody and emotional clarity. From there they expanded their palette with Forever Turned Around, the covers set Candid, and the exploratory SPARK. Years of touring, recording, and living side by side tightened their creative link and led them toward the reflective space that defines Small Talk.

Small Talk finds Whitney turning inward and taking full control. Instead of leaning on an outside producer, they shaped the record themselves in a relaxed setting with close friends. The album carries the weight of major life changes—breakups, distance, and the slow climb back to emotional balance. Across its eleven tracks, the duo blends familiar warmth with more open, free-flowing ideas. The quiet melodies stick with you, humming in the background long after the record ends. Given time, Small Talk might stand as their most grounded work since their debut, landing comfortably in the modern yacht-rock lane while nudging just ahead of 2019’s Forever Turned Around.

Musical Style: The record leans into fluid grooves, bright instrumental lines, and Julien’s trademark airy vocals. Strings, horns, and clean guitar tones create an easy, lived-in atmosphere. The mix of soft pop, gentle folk, and smooth soul gives the album a breezy sway that never feels over-polished. Even the larger arrangements keep a natural flow, more sunset-drive than studio chest-beating.

Evolution of Sound: Where SPARK pushed into electronic textures, Small Talk circles back to live performance and instinct. The return to a more organic setup lets the songs breathe and highlights the duo’s connection. They bring in new contrasts—stronger vocal blends, fuller instrumental passages, and subtle rhythmic shifts that stretch their usual template. It nods to their roots while leaving the door open for new phases ahead.

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Real Estate, Hand Habits, Pinegrove, and the quieter corners of The Band will feel this record in their headphones. There’s also a trace of classic soft-rock smoothness reminiscent of Steely Dan, along with modern acts like The Lemon Twigs that keep arrangements relaxed rather than overly polished.

Pivotal Tracks: “Dandelions” sets the tone with its gentle reflection on broken plans and rebuilding from the ground up. It’s understated but sneaks up on you. “The Thread” brings a lively swing that echoes their earliest charm. “Evangeline,” featuring Madison Cunningham, adds tension and emotional pull, lifting the album’s middle stretch. “Won’t You Speak Your Mind?” brings a brighter bounce, while “Silent Exchange” and the closer “Darling” frame the emotional arc from heartbreak to something like acceptance.

Lyrical Strength: The writing on Small Talk avoids heavy metaphor and sticks close to real moments—distance, self-doubt, missed signals, and small wins that come after big changes. The lyrics feel lived-in and conversational, giving listeners an easy path into the emotional core without clutter or exaggeration.

Final Groove: Small Talk doesn’t reinvent Whitney, but it sharpens what they already do well. The songs are clean, warm, and quietly confident, settling into a modern yacht-rock lane without losing the intimacy that made the band click in the first place. It’s a steady, heartfelt record that rewards repeated listens rather than reaching for instant fireworks. If this is the duo returning to center, it’ll be interesting to see where that steady footing lets them wander next.

WHITNEY REVIEW HISTORY
SPARK (2022) / Candid (2020) / Forever Turned Around (2019) / Light Upon The Lake (2016)

WHITNEY LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | AWAL