Pigeon Club – ‘Another Year In The Minors’ [Album Review]

Another Year In The Minors, the sophomore album from Los Angeles-based folk-rock artist Pigeon Club, aka Wayne Whittaker, is a nine-track exploration of anxiety, doubt, introspection, and the intricacies of daily life.

Working with Grammy-winning co-producers John Wood and Amy Wood, as well as a group of friends and gifted musicians, Another Year In The Minors chronicles a transitional phase in the life of Whittaker.

A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Whittaker has worked as a sideman with artists such as Dawes, Diane Coffee, Haerts, The Grand Southern, Sam Small, Tiberius B, Magana, Alain Whyte, and The Donnies The Amys.

Highlights on Another Year In The Minors include the opening track, “Liar,” with its gentle back-and-forth motion topped by Pigeon Club’s pensive vocals. Slightly jangly guitars and a vibrant piano give the melody a creamy, appealing effect.

The feel and flow of “Give a Shit” conjures up suggestions of Jackson Browne because of its deliciously fluent piano and Pigeon Club’s silky, contemplative vocals, imbuing the lyrics with longsuffering flavors – he can’t make “you give a shit.”

Rumbling, rounded percussion and a luscious harmonic movement make “Late To The Party” a personal favorite. There’s an elusive charming buoyancy to this track, infusing it with hints of droll humor.

Pigeon Club, photo by Jeni Magana

More of an alt-rock number, “Do Not Disturb” once again recalls Jackson Browne, only this time, Pigeon Club’s voice reveals an evocative tightness that parades his genuine feelings.

“Ancient History,” a languid, rolling song with tints of blues and folk-rock, closes the album with melancholic textures that expand to dreamy, wistful layers. The tune has poignant, dreamy surfaces that resonate with the emotions of a past romantic interlude.

Marinated in the soft edges of folk-rock and tinges of more muscular alt-rock, Pigeon Club’s second album is a worthwhile listen.

Another Year In The Minors Track Listing:

1. Liar
2. Another Year In The Minors
3. Give a Shit
4. Is Will Soon Be Was
5. Neither Did I’
6. Late To The Party
7. Pros/Cons
8. Do Not Disturb
9. Ancient History

Run Time: 32:26
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Record Label: Independent