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9 out of 10
Hotly tipped, hugely anticipated and therefore probably disappointing; this at least was how I was prepared to feel about Leeds four-piece Wintermute. How wrong I was. Initially however I was not so forgiving, as I listener I was immediately put off by the airy, cyclical guitar and the crushing inevitability of 'that' drum beat. But, having had a long and blissful relationship with Big Scary Monsters I was prepared to bare with it.
See, Wintermute are not another incipit fashion band haplessly forcing disco beats to compensate weak guitar lines. Though admittedly aspects of their sound do lend to some old standards; 'Minus the Bear' and at times, yes, 'Foals. However Wintermute have such poise and dignity in their execution, with pulsing, racing guitar lines so sharp they could cut through a phone directory and such incredible energy and stamina.
It's fair to say that the musicianship on the album is difficult to fault, they gracefully manoeuvre between epic chorus' in delicate instrumental oases. Their musicianship however really is only half of the appeal; the real treat on this record is that it is drenched, and I mean sopping wet with vocal hooks. With genuine sincerity, Wintermute are the catchiest bands I have heard in a long time, to a point where I have almost begun to crave them.
What's more I didn't even realise, it's like it's been subliminal. So much so that a band I began listing to less than 2 weeks ago is already in my top 10 most played artists of all time on last fm. Impressive guys, impressive.
The record is produced by virtuoso producer James Kenosha, who for the more astute of you has also worked with BSM buddies Pulled Apart By Horses and This Et Al. I also understand that it's the product of 2 years effort.! So yeah, if it's complex, subliminal, catchy, spikey indie you're after then there really is not a better album available.
Listen: www.myspace.com/wintermuteband
Tracklist:
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