Whispertown 2000 – Livin In A Dream

Pleasant Dreams

Whispertown 2000 has been lurking around the music scene for several years. Honorably mentioned in a few Rilo Kiley songs and a credited writer on the Elected album Sun, Sun, Sun, Morgan Negler is finally front and center with Whispertown 2000’s debut Livin in a Dream.Nagler’s friends weren’t far behind, with instrumental and producing contributions from members of Rilo Kiley, Neva Dinova, and L.A.’s Heart String Symphony. However, the core four members of Whispertown dream up the soulful folk melodies throughout the album. Colt Maloney on bass and Todd Adrian Wisenbaked on guitar and harmonica create a platform from bluesy rock in “Good Bye Baby” to down-home country in “Restless.” Vanesa Corbala adds a sweet lightness to the group with wispy background vocals, a shimmering tambourine, and some mean snapping in her and Nagler’s sassy a capella “Hello Wishing Well.” Corbala and Nagler are opposites vocally. Corbala is a pure soprano that harmonizes with Nagler’s unique raspy voice and wavering falsetto, forming hauntingly whimsical settings as in “I Think You Should Know.”

Nagler is no everyday lead vocalist. There is an ache in her voice that shapes the tone of every song and brings out her strongest quality: songwriting. For example, in “Intentions” she sings “Then we think we’re torn / When really we’re just worn / and when we understand / it’s like some divine hand.” Nagler forms lyrics that are common enough for many listeners to relate to, invoking deeper truths about life. Whether a slow reflective drawl in “New York Minute” or a dance party mix in “On the Move,” Livin in a Dream is the kind of sleep from which you never want to wake.