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The Long Winters
- Avg user rating:
Out of 24 votes - Similar Artists: The Decemberists, Clem Snide, Okkervil River, Centro-Matic
Out of 24 votes
- Genre: Alternative/Punk » Indie Rock
Editor's review
It is a testament to John Roderick's strength as a songwriter that his band the Long Winters can do literary, pathos-fueled orchestral pop and joyous, barn-burning rock 'n' roll with equal fervor. Roderick's impassioned voice, vivid lyrics, and knack for songcraft raise the bar--proving music can easily be both high-minded and fun.
Biography
Ultimatum, the new E.P. from The Long Winters, is a spare, six-song snapshot of the oblique and poetic-minded side of astounding songwriter and Winters bandleader John Roderick. At times sparse, at times warmly lush, this collection of songs is always intensely beautiful, stretching from simple vocal-and-guitar folk balladry to orchestral grandeur to band-driven electro psych-pop and largely leaving aside the guitar pop rave-ups with which Roderick is equally comfortable. The band's first release since 2003's acclaimed 20,000-selling When I Pretend to Fall, the EP is an enticing set-up for the band's upcoming '06 full-length and that rarest of things: an EP that stands on its own as a great record from a band that has already set a high standard for themselves.
During the last couple years, fans eager for new music have had to make due with Long Winters appearances on a handful of compilations: an early version of the brilliant "The Commander Thinks Aloud" was noted by critics as a standout on Barsuk's popular 2004 political fundraising joint project with McSweeney's Publishing, Future Soundtrack for America; the tongue-in-cheek "Christmas With You Is the Best" was included on the third installment of the popular O.C. Soundtrack series; and the Pretend track "Cinnamon" was featured on the Wedding Crashers soundtrack earlier this year, where it has been helping introduce more new fans to the band's music.
A spontaneous spate of off-cycle press hit recently as well, including a Paste Magazine feature and a lengthy, fascinating, and hilarious interview with Roderick in the hip literary journal The Believer. The Long Winters hit the road with Keane this September, and will be playing select dates nationwide until the new album's release early next year.
Previous praise for When I Pretend to Fall:
"Smart, catchy, near-perfect indie-rock. Long Winters come on crisp, clean and melodic."
-The New York Times
"The most beautiful album you'll hear this year."
-Details
"Classic-rock guitar work melts into sunny vocal harmonies, creating songs that practically squirm with joy."
-Magnet
