Like the Mud Shark and the Rock Lobster before it, Vulture Whale is quickly making a name for itself in rock's rich taxonomy. The group hails from Birmingham Alabama, and in February 2009, they will release their sophomore (and also self-titled) album on Skybucket Records (Dexateens, 13ghosts, Barton Carroll). Vulture Whale is comprised of Wes McDonald (formerly of The Ohms), guitarist Lester Nuby (formerly of Verbena), bassist Keelan Parrish, and drummer Jake Waitzman. All of the members of Vulture Whale have played together in one form or another for several years now, and their chemistry immediately is apparent on the opening tracks of Vulture Whale. The album—mixed by Mark Rains (The Shys, Waylon Jennings, The Close)—is a focused affair in which clever, plain spoken and honest lyrics sit atop inventive, catchy melodies that are underscored by lush, thumpy arrangements. The album's centerpiece is the jaunty "Sugar," a track that is reminiscent of Pavement and Modest Mouse. "Tote it to Cleveland, AL" gives a nod to The Replacements, while "Guillotine" is a raucous call-to-arms. Equal parts Grendel and Pegasus, the Vulture Whale dwells deep in the mythical Ocean of Rock where the Rolling Stones regularly ditch their behind-the-beat swagger for up-tempo and melodious rock numbers. Put simply, Vulture Whale. is the Saturday night record you've been waiting for, from the band you should have been rocking out to long ago."