The Long Winters
Ultimatum
Barsuk Records (October 2005)
words:
Amy Wagner
With their new EP
Ultimatum, the follow up to 2003’s
When I Pretend to Fall,
The Long Winters have continued to develop their bare bones sound. The six-song collection arrives just in time for the season of gray days when you might be in need of some tunes that are as crisp and clear as the fall air.
With the rocking ease of an old time balladeer, bandleader/songwriter John Roderick serves up a mostly solid array of songs. The title track is a moody number that is solid, if not exactly inspired, in its studio version. It truly shines though on the live cut, which is also included on the EP. Also well-served by its live version is the song, “Bride and Bridle,” which, with its vintage feel, puts The Long Winters in league with an eclectic group of musicians (like the band Blanche), who have been mining that “Oh, My Darling Clementine” Americana sound with some success.
The studio tracks may not fare as well as the live takes, but there’s still some good stuff here. “The Commander Thinks Aloud” has a dreamy folkie feel that instantly introduces the band’s sound. “Delicate Hands” is the closest these guys will ever get to a straightforward ballad, and it has a smooth feel - even if it does get repetitive by the time it wafts to an end.
If you like chilled music for even chillier days, check out The Long Winters. Their first full-length is due in stores sometime in 2006.
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