We're Enjoying This Long Winter(s)

The Long Winters play a sort of jouncy pop that is probably a really good defense against the overcast skies of their hometown, Seattle. On Putting The Days To Bed they sort of remind us of The Shins on a sugar kick. What would ordinarily be boilerplate indie guitar rock is suddenly blindsided by a phalanx of peppy horns, as on the oddly disco inflected "Teaspoon."

Later on "The Sky Is Open" opens with the sort of synthesizer and drum machine that would usually herald the approach of your basic electro-pop tune, when suddenly the chorus kicks into expansive sing-along feel good arena rock.

One would think this sort of inventive upending of expectations would be hard to keep up, and one would be right. The central stretch of the album is fine earnest guitar rock, but it feels flabby alongside the promise offered by the disc's opening salvos.

Luckily the group recovers and the final suite of songs brings the energy back into the red, right before slowing it all down and sending the listener off with the soothing "Seven." The band is playing tonight at Double Door with one of our favorite local bands (they just happen to be touring with), The Bound Stems, so judging by that pairing we expect their live show will be an energetic one. Also playing is Stars of Track and Field.

Photo by elchicodelaleche