Americana UK
More Swedes, more great music
I don’t know what it is they put in the branvinn in Sweden, but its having the right effect. Following hot on the heels of The Willy Clay Band, Andi Almqvist and The Lancaster Orchestra, Winter have produced an album of Americana covering rootsy rock, biting ballads, country leanings and moody songs with the emphasis on melodies.
Anna-Lena’s characteristic vocals are calm, warm and guiding. They lead you through the complexities of emotions and can make you feel sad and happy simultaneously. Don’t listen to this album with a broken heart though. She’ll make you wonder if it’s worth going on, particularly on ‘Don’t be Waiting’. A song of selfish approach to love, the subsequent break up and the strength of the broken hearted partner.
As the album title states, there are ten songs here, all of which have a tale to tell and boy do they. Opener ‘Faith’ sets the standard and the others manage to reach the same dizzy heights. ‘Out of Sight’ reinforces the quality of the song writing and musicianship, whilst ‘Love in Disguise’ manages to exceed them. ‘Artificial Love’ echoes the psychedelic rock of the late 60’s and outlines what to do to cover up sadness – not all of it legal. ‘Carry Me’ uplifts the listener with its sense of hope and dispels those occasional negative thoughts we have about the future of relationships.
Recorded over five days – yes you read that right – the band locked themselves into a recording studio miles from anywhere and laid these tracks down. The results are impressive, particularly when having to travel 25 miles to eat. Being hungry obviously fired up the creative juices. Winter tour the UK frequently. Do yourself, buy this album and go and see them. You’ll be glad you did.
Date review added: Monday, September 04, 2006
Reviewer: Phil Edwards