October 2026 issue out now

Pick up a copy Advertise

Pick up a copyAdvertise with us

In the Whale

14 stories

Photo for “INTHEWHALE Gets Real on Vanishing Point”

FeaturesINTHEWHALE Gets Real on Vanishing PointWhat sets Eric Riley and Nate Valdez apart from other heavy acts isn’t their musicianship (though it is excellent) but their ability to translate unflinchingly raw moments into music. Starting with INTHEWHALE’s last EP, Dopamine, the band’s tone shifted from the sophomoric humor of their earlier releases to brutally honest explorations of the darker moments of life. These explorations continue on Vanishing Point. The band wrestles with pharmaceutical addiction, suicidal ideation and gentrification. The pain and anger is palpable.Gabe Allen · Dec 4, 2021

Man in a black t-shirt singing into a mic against a yellow background, with a drum kit at lower left.

FeaturesDrum As You Are: Eric Riley Throws Down The Beat As A Black Musician In MetalEven with all the fun Eric Riley has thrashing onstage with his longtime friend Nate Valdez, there is always that one drunk person who has to point it out: a black guy in a metal band!Valerie Vampola · Jul 4, 2020

Photo for “The Block Party 2017 – Downtown Greeley”

Concert PhotosThe Block Party 2017 – Downtown Greeley[vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1508367308025-ec3552e3-4ff8-8″ include=”17735,17736,17737,17738,17739,17740,17741,17742,17743,17744,17745,17746,17747,17748,17749,17750,17751,17752,17753,17754,17755,17756,17757,17758,17759,17760,17761,17762,17763,17764,17765,17766,17767,17768,17769,17770,17771,17772,17773,17774,17775,17776,17777,17778,17779,17780,17781,17782,17783,17784,17785,17786,17787,17788,17789″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_wp_text]11th annual Greeley Block Party in Downtown Greeley[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]Talia Lezama · Sep 22, 2017

Photo for “In The Whale – Not Their First Rodeo”

FeaturesIn The Whale – Not Their First RodeoFor Nate Valdez and Eric Reilly of the two-piece rock band In The Whale, the last seven years has been a wild ride on the slow burn to success.Jed Murphy · Sep 1, 2017

Two men shout excitedly against a yellow backdrop, one in a striped shirt and cap, one in orange sunglasses.

MusicAlbum Review: In The Whale – Quicksand EPSince In the Whale began they have been a band not afraid to take chances.Jed Murphy · Oct 4, 2016

In The Whale @ Moxi Theater | Photo by Ben Stivers// 1.29.16

Concert PhotosIn The Whale @ Moxi TheaterBandWagon Magazine · Mar 6, 2016

In the Whale @ Aggie Theatre

FeaturesIn The Whale at the Aggie TheatreBandWagon Magazine Presents In The Whale with Slow Caves, American Blackout and Lion Drome at the Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins.Dylan Adams · Jul 12, 2015

Two men stand before a gray mural of pale, hooded figures, one wearing dark sunglasses and a graphic tee.

FeaturesTails From The Trails With In The WhaleIt wasn’t always this way though. In the Whale got their start after Valdez recorded an acoustic EP titled Songs About You and drummer Eric Riley’s previous project dissolved. In the early days at AF Ray’s (Greeley’s only rock venue at the time) I personally witnessed them clear the room night after night as they searched for what would become their signature sound.Jed Murphy · Jul 9, 2015

Black-and-white photo of a shouting man in a t-shirt gripping a drumstick near a mic stand and cymbal.

Concert PhotosIn the Whale W/ Reno Divorce at The Moxi 4/9/15BandWagon Magazine · Apr 13, 2015

Black and white photo of two young people outdoors on grass, one holding the other's head from behind.

MusicAlbum Review: Full Nelson — In The WhaleFormer Greeley band, now Denver favorite hit the ground running with their latest EP Full Nelson.Jed Murphy · Apr 6, 2015

Photo for “Album Review: In the Whale – Nate”

MusicAlbum Review: In the Whale – NateAs always, In the Whale boasts a driving, electrifying power that takes up an incredible amount of sonic space despite being composed of just two guys. The basic guitar-and-drum formula works, and while there’s nothing at all elaborate about the band’s music, it’s the earnestness with which they perform it that makes it so damn fun.Christopher Sheridan · Apr 9, 2014

Photo for “Photos: Block Party 2013 After Party @ The Moxi Theater”

FeaturesPhotos: Block Party 2013 After Party @ The Moxi TheaterGreeley’s 7th Anual Block Party was no doubt a success. Check out all the fun from the official after party!BandWagon Magazine · Sep 11, 2013

Photo for “25 Things You Didn’t Want to Know About In the Whale”

25 Things You Didn’t Want to Know About In the WhaleIn The Whale is a band that needs little introduction around Colorado, especially as of late.Mikey Unruh · Sep 2, 2013

Black-and-white photo of a bald drummer in a graphic tee mid-strike, grimacing, with cymbals and mic on dark stage.

Concert PhotosPhotos: In the Whale, The Yawpers @ The Hi Dive 5/31Check out our photos of the In the Whale show at the Hi Dive from 5/31!BandWagon Magazine · Jun 10, 2013