Amongst the biggest clichés that can be said about a band that has been around for a while, “all good things must come to an end” is near the top. It almost goes without saying. Sure, there are always anomalies like The Rolling Stones that creep into the pop culture spotlight every few years one Mick Jagger shimmy at a time. The lifespan of great bands has shortened in this music generation because bands evolve beyond their original purpose and artists are more aware of when something must come to an end. After eight years together, Noah and the Whale have decided to call it quits in order to pursue other musical projects.
NME reported on the end of UK indie rock band offering the following message from the band:
“There are too many people to mention in this short message but we would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to all of our amazing fans, who have supported us so magnificently over the years and made everything possible.”
Over the last seven years, the band has released four albums. The most recent effort, 2013’s Heart of Nowhere, was the only album in their discography not to reach UK Gold certification. However, there is no bad blood reported leading up to the split. Lead singer Charlie Fink has been busy in the studio, updating fans through his website and social media with new solo material. Furthermore, violinist Tom Hebden is busy touring with Mumford and Sons, drummer Michael Petulla has been collaborating with other British musicians. Both Matt Owens and Fred Abbott are working on solo albums as well.
Although there has been no comment from any of the members regarding any potential for getting back together, the current landscape of the music industry has created a new frontier for the possibility of getting back together. Even if Noah and the Whale is done for good, the members’ musical endeavors are only indication that, as their hit single from their UK platinum Last Night on Earth entails, L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.