Killer Whale with Gavyn Bernhardt

Killer Whale

Somewhere between the rustic Louisiana bayou and dreamy California shores lies Killer Whale.

A band that fully embraces the beauty of laying back, Killer Whale invites listeners into a world of colorful rhythms and rock-and-roll daydreams. Their music creates a space that welcomes you in, tells you to make yourself at home, and feels like a warm hug as you walk through the door.

It’s been three years since New Orleans–based Killer Whale released their previous album, the sunbaked Casual Crush, which earned praise for mastermind Thomas Johnson’s ability to blend Southern R&B with hints of California surf—melodic guitar lines and heavenly vocals drawing comparisons to My Morning Jacket. Their long-awaited follow-up, Tastes Like Yesterday, builds on that foundation while easing into a more seductive, mellow soul.

Rooted in Johnson’s Louisiana upbringing, the record leans into what he calls “Pontoon Soul”—swampy, murky grooves paired with transcendent vocals. Tracks like “Comfortable” and “Slip Away” echo the warmth of Casual Crush, while songs such as “High On Yo’ Love” and “Canopy” showcase a smoother, more rhythm-driven approach, with greater focus on drums, percussion, and keys.

Much like its creator, Killer Whale wanders between New Orleans, Austin, and San Francisco, carrying the melodic marks of the road. A true sound kaleidoscope, the band resists easy categorization, melding genres into something cohesive, relaxed, and undeniably fun.

Sunny and warm, yet cool and seductive, Tastes Like Yesterday invites you to settle in, move a little, and let the music carry you somewhere deeper.

https://www.goingleftmusic.com/killerwhale/

https://www.instagram.com/thebandkillerwhale/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/KillerWhaleBand

Gavyn Bernhardt

Gavyn Bernhardt is a singer/songwriter, multi instrumentalist & vocalist, active in the Philadelphia region. Taking inspiration from acts such as Tom Waits, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd, Gavyn’s music can best be described as occasionally bluesey experimental rock, with a focus on storytelling, a use of nonsense sounds, and an inclination towards macabre themes. His first single "Dead Sound on the Radio" has been heard on WXPN, WDCV, WIUP and CKMS. His upcoming project is an EP dealing with themes of isolation, commercialization, and fear, with the working title “On the Air.”

Socials:

https://bnds.us/ipqqw2

https://www.instagram.com/gavynbernhardt/

https://www.youtube.com/@GavynBernhardt

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579302156818