When I reviewed Winterbourne’s single “Cold” last month I swore that I’d track down a copy of the EP All But the Sun. I was so impressed with that song that there was a part of me that worried that perhaps I’d be disappointed. Winterbourne had set the bar so high. I needn’t have fretted. All But the Sun may be the best thing I’ve heard all year.
The EP opens with “Cold,” which was every bit as epic and beautiful as I remembered it. The energy was turned up several notches with “The Boy Prince,” a raucous number with a deliciously dark edge that reminded me a lot of something Mumford & Sons might release. I couldn’t help but thing of the English band from time to time as I listened to the rest of the songs, as there are a few similarities in the way their music builds, their lyrical sensibilities, and the lush harmonies. I could hear the longing in “Steady my Bones.” There was real palpable sadness in “Leaves” too. After so much sorrow the light of “Sunrise,” the closing track (or so I thought) was such sweet relief. It’s jubilant and uplifting, a dazzling conclusion.
I instantly ran to my stereo and started the EP again. And again. It reminded me of when I got Sigh no More, than first Mumford & Sons album, and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I’d play it in my home, need to go out and take it to my car stereo, bring it back in with me and whack it on again. Something tells me this EP is going to be much the same.
In my enthusiasm for these songs I didn’t actually realise that in a throwback to the ‘90s, there’s a hidden track. It’s wonderful too, full of spirit and folky energy. But of course.
EPs might be much smaller than full-length albums, but even so, there are usually weaker tracks. Not here. Every single song on All But the Sun is so very good. Winterbourne are such a quality band and I can’t wait to hear more from them.
Image source: Winterbourne Facebook page