141. Single Review of Would You Kill for Me? by Tom Whitevise
Originally Published on June 12th
About the Artist
I have observed that there is such a spectrum of talent, looking out at the sea of talented independent artists. A plethora of genres, styles within those genres; artists coming from all walks of life.
We are many artists, with many stories, and our experiences are drawn from many places. Tom Whitevise, from Chicago, is an artist whose experience dates back to the 1980’s, when “DIY” was done with a “4-track cassette recorder,” in his words. He has drawn inspiration from blues, pop/rock, and progressive rock and has dedicated himself to learning new ways of expression through the study of music theory along the way.
His earliest released work comes from 2021, where he released the song, Coming Up. This bright, upbeat song has a diverse range of influence. Featuring heavy backing vocals reminiscent of Queen, a community of instrumentation similar to Prince and the Revolution, and leading vocals equivalent to Randy Newman, this song really touches an array of influence.
He would follow his debut with the Blues Rock jam Without Any Help From You, just five days later. This traditional blues rock song is essential blues, as good as anybody else does it. Additionally, he released Why Do You Do (The Things You Do), a more progressive rock song, Momma & Red, a slower, blues-rock, groove, Drumbeat, a more traditional blues jam, and Down At the Marina, a more alternative, roots, and southern rock song.
The very next day.
Whitevise would release his debut album, You are Elevated, a 7-song, 30 minute EP. You are Elevated features more nostalgic styles, as it opens with the synth-driven title track. After the instrumental opener, The Synaptic Lesson follows, and showcases a bit of the blues rock influence he referenced. Aquilegia Caerulea is a more euphoric song as it incorporates more synth saturated with reverb. The vocal work on this song shows Whitevise’s ability to perform in genres outside of blues.
ADDITIONALLY, he would release the 4- song instrumental EP, Mute, which runs just under 10 minutes. Mute shows yet another branch of musical influence as it opens with the title track, a three minute instrumental piece exclusively played on piano. Drawing heavy influence from classical period performance, the performance is sensational. This leads right into the classic rock hit, Time Travel, rich in electric guitar and saw-filled synths, this instrumental rock song brings the energy regardless of the absence of vocals.
Coming Up released on June 21st, 2021, Without Any Help From You, Why Do You Do (The Things You Do, Momma & Red, Drumbeat, and Down at the Marina released on June 26th, 2021, and You are Elevated released on June 27th in 2021, along with the EP, Mute. I imagine these releases were prior recordings that were bulk-released, but as it shows on Spotify, it would give the impression that Tom Whitevise had a very busy week.
The very next day.
Whitevise brought his week of releases to a close with the blues groove, Stormy Monday. The thing I like about this tune is how the blues rock is fused with a gospel-sounding revival organ.
After a week in June 2021 that would see the release of an album, an EP, and seven singles, there wouldn’t be another release by Tom Whitevise for 3 years. However, in January of 2024, he would release the single, Carrier Wave, a synth-heavy, instrumental rock anthem.
Tom Whitevise appears to have limitless range, as he doesn’t allow his music to be confined to just one genre. His music does have heavy influence from blues rock, pop, and progressive rock from the 70’s and 80’s but it has energy that would perform well today in clubs and bars.
About the Song
Would You Kill For Me is the latest release and first release by Tom Whitevise in 2025. This single has a run time of just under 4 minutes. Inspired by a poem featured in Moments of Melancholy by the poet Melancholy Addams, Whitevise transposed this poem into a dark rock ballad. Vocals, guitars are performed by Tom Whitevise, keyboard is performed by Philip Isah, and percussion is performed by Federico Gucciardo. The album cover art was illustrated by Melancholy Addams, the song’s cowriter.
About the Music
Would You Kill For Me opens with a rhodes keyboard shortly followed by Whitevise’s vocals. It plays like a ballad. As the song progresses to the chorus, a full band is introduced, moving the song stylistically to a power ballad.
I particularly like the progression of the song. It changes from a primarily minor tone in the verses to a primarily major tone in the choruses. The lyrical content sets a dark tone, yet the instrumental composition is mostly bright and pretty.
I particularly like the bridge in this song. The progression changes to a heroic sounding ascending series of chords. As each pass resolves, it dynamically settles in a crescendo.
Would You Kill For Me plays like a poem, coincidentally as it is derived from one. It flows from beginning to end, moving through its cadence. The instrumental accompaniment builds around the vocal performance highlighted by the performance on the Rhodes. It’s mostly gentle timbre only gets more aggressive in the choruses and the bridge. This is a catchy song that is so enriched in story, it almost performs like musical theater.
Final Thoughts
Tom Whitevise may have only been releasing music since 2021, but he is clearly a very experienced instrumentalist. Something tells me that the bulk releases from 2021 are recordings that maybe had been compiled over a long period of time. Whitevise is a talented composer, particularly with writing blues rock.
Would You Kill For Me is a shift stylistically for Whitevise as he successfully exhibits a capability to perform in other genres besides blues rock. This softer rock sock emphasises lyrical performance, has a rock rhythm and blues influence, and has a theatrical delivery. It makes for an epic performance, a contrasting saga that marries dark with light, happy with sad, and beautiful with ugly.
Follow Tom Whitevise:
Additional Media:
Listen to Would You Kill For Me?:
More Poetry by Melancholy Addams:
Go press play!
Comments
Post a Comment