Sleeping on Wintersleep

Looking back through my archives (which now apparently includes over 1000 posts), I was shocked to find out I've never written about Wintersleep. While they're far from my favourite band (I'll leave that kind of support to Wolves, Hawks and Kites), I was sure that I'd mentioned them in some context other than the hottest bands poll or in comparison to someone else.

What this means is that, somehow, I neglected to include the band on any of my year-end lists. I have no doubt that Welcome To The Night Sky would've finished high up on my album list, since from start to end it's a pretty great album, full of the kind of riffs and hooks and overall rocking goodness that once led some to suggest they were the next coming of Arcade Fire, even if they sound nothing alike. True, for the most part it's a rehashing of the ground their covered on their self-titled 2005 album (which I also unforgiveably overlooked), but that doesn't make it any less of a fun listen.

All that said, Night Sky's best moment (the amazing "Weighty Ghost") is the one that sounds least like any other Wintersleep song. While it inhabits the same rock-meets-world-music territory that's currently getting Vampire Weekend so many raves, it's still tangibly different -- it feels weightier and more emotionally conflicted, simultaneously sounding world-weary (thanks to frontman Paul Murphy's vocals) and life-affirming (bringing in handclaps and choirs tends to do that for you). It's the kind of song that, if there's any justice, will be heard by just the right people and help the band get the kind of widespread attention they deserve.

It's also miles better than anything else on the album. Of course, it should be noted that it's so mind-blowingly excellent that it would outclass virtually any album on which it was placed. It's the high point of the album, but by no means is it the only song worth hearing, so do yourself a favour and pick up a copy.

And seeing as I've never posted on Wintersleep before, here's a Radio 3 session they recorded just over a year ago. Most of the songs are from their self-titled sophomore album, and they show why so many Maritimers have been such big fans of the band since their inception.

1. Search Party
2. Archaeologist
3. Jaws of Life
4. Nerves Normal
5. Long Flight
6. Murderer

Enjoy!