(4-track demo)
Ever since I first heard this band�s genuinely astonishing �Eclipsed� EP - and their breathtaking �Soliloquy� grace in particular - I have been fascinated by Winterlong.
A delight even at Summer�s sweltering height, these 4 seriously-�Alt� indie-rock tracks are sublime to the very last note - through from opening anthem �Seven Smiles� to EP-closer �Broken.�
Singer-guitarist frontman Erol Golbas is bringing back the most vital ingredient to songwriting - and that�s the very art of crafting melodies and injecting in soulful, heart-melting emotion dead-centre
These songs are the very sort that unfold over much time, patience and fervent deliberation as to what sounds best � and all the hard work has pulled off as this music for all to bear witness to is beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Erol�s extraordinary voice doesn�t just �hold� notes� it takes them on an emotional rollercoaster and forces the words he�s singing to feel what he�s feeling, as Quiet One�s awesome guitar FX surprisingly remind of the classic fuzz of Van Halen. The riff broody and the vocals as dark and nasal as Richard Thompson and Paul Roberts on a mutually spellbinding downer, �When you�re down and out you�ll take my hand� Erol sings, his unique vocals soulfully leading the song from its fantastic verse, on over its sultry bridge and into the sublime chorus.
If I�ve got to pick an EP highlight, then �Sold Out� can metaphorically take a bow as the chorus - as always - is the focus of some awe-inspiring melodies and vocal versatility, before Broken�s bassy backbone and end-song Alt.-rock experimentation ambitions confirm that few songs could ever sound any more deep or meaningful as these epic Winterlong wonders. What�s even more unbelievable is that the �Long produce such a staggeringly original and powerful sound as a mere 3-piece, with Will Irvine brandishing bass & programming duties as Stephen Giles coolly keeps the beat.
This is absolutely essential material and few things in life will be more rewarding should you choose to invest priceless time in this band. They are that incredibly gifted. 6/5 (STEVE RUDD)
www.winterlong.co.uk
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