Whitewater – Dark Planet (Bad Elephant Music September 2020)
Dark Planet, released on September 16, 2020, by British duo Whitewater, marked an ambitious evolution of their sound. Following the success of their 2017 album Universal Medium, Stuart Stephens and Paul Powell explored new creative dimensions, enlisting contributions from vocalist and songwriter Mike Kershaw on three tracks and guitarist Gareth Cole on four.
Whitewater may bill themselves as ambient prog, but don’t expect extended stretches of serenity or atmospheric drift. Instead, their sound pulses with an urgency that often leans into post-rock territory, a genre known for its slow repetition. Fortunately, Mike Kershaw injects a sense of lyrical weight and emotional nuance into his vocals, elevating the material beyond mere monotony.
However, the album’s mix works against its supposed ambient intentions. The drums and bass are cranked up to an overpowering degree, frequently eclipsing the electronic atmospheres that should provide a sense of space and depth. That said, when Whitewater steps fully into progressive rock’s wheelhouse, they find their strongest footing. Gareth Cole’s guitar work, in particular, is the album’s lifeline. His expressive solos and intricate progressions add a richness that the rest of the instrumentation sometimes struggles to match. Simply put, Cole’s playing isn’t just a highlight, it’s the driving force that gives the record its identity.
According to Stephens, the album represented a “gear change in writing and production,” despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. BEM label head David Elliott praised the effort, stating, “The guys have really upped their game for this album, and if you like atmospheric progressive music, you’re going to love this one.”
Formed in 2013, Whitewater includes Stuart Stephens (vocals, guitars, keyboards) and Paul Powell (percussion, drum programming). Inspired by classic progressive rock icons like Pink Floyd and Supertramp, the duo incorporates ambient influences reminiscent of Orbital and The Future Sound of London. Their music effortlessly intertwines rich atmospherics with progressive rock esthetics.
Whitewater debuted with The Sound of a Galaxy Smashing, a deeply experimental project that laid the foundation for their distinctive sound. Subsequent releases, including Obscured by the Sun (2015) and Universal Medium (2017), highlighted their ability to refine their formula, gaining critical acclaim within the progressive rock community.
Whitewater are Stuart Stephens and Paul Powell. Guests: Mike Kershaw on vocals (2, 3, 8); Gareth Cole on guitar (3, 6, 9, 10) and Clare Stephens on backing vocals (3).
Cover artwork by Marc Payne.