Archive for the ‘Wintermitts’ Category
Wintermitts – Heirloom Review
The accordion is the sort of instrument relegated to French soundtracks or the older generation, so it’s refreshing to hear it used in more modern offerings, such as Wintermitts’ Heirloom.
Part of the burgeoning Vancouver scene, Wintermitts set themselves apart with a combination of ingredients rarely found in one place: the above-mentioned accordion, flute, melodica, trumpet, and glockenspiel. Add to that the haunting bilingual vocals of Lise Monique Oakley, and you have some very interesting listening.
Formed in 2005, the Vancouver-based Wintermitts share duties on much of the instrumentation, which makes for variety throughout. Their work on Cascadia Fault (2007) was such that it attracted the attention of local producers Shawn Cole (You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bend Sinister) and Futcher (The Be Good Tanyas, Girl Nobody). It’s apparent that the group has benefitted greatly from the input from both – the song structures and arrangements are considered and impeccably radio-friendly.
But what really makes Wintermitts stand out? French lyrics on the West Coast, where the population of bilingual residents is a slim 0.18%. Oakley sings with increased fervour and feeling when her lyrics are en français.
The call and answer of “En Avion” (“le clé dans la porte”) is fragile yet strong, and comes off like a gentler Arcade Fire. In the catchy, high-hat-driven “DANS”, Oakley’s vocals are at their most energetic: “You put me under / you stole my thunder”. Timing issues aside, this song has the most memorable chorus on the record, thanks to gang vocals, hand claps and Oakley’s breathless ah-ah-ah-ahs. The slow start of “Accord Mineur” boasts an evocative accordion-trumpet duet and an intricate and well-produced arrangement that conjures up smoke-filled cafés and late-night walks along the Seine.
“Schoolyard” showcases Trevor Dunnett’s trumpet skills (and proves that Rob Calder is not the only trumpet player in town). Unfortunately, the sleepy, vague lyrics weren’t enough to bring a real story across. Disappointment followed in the floundering “Crossing Bridges”, where the backing vocals could have used more power and conviction. Luckily the trumpet and accordion shine like diamonds in waltz-like “Coniferous” – there was little else to redeem it. “Outro”, the most cinematic of the eight tracks, features the accordion in its best light – a beautiful instrumental minus Swann McMillan’s occasionally awkward drumming.
“Mer de l’Atlantique” is a sea-worthy, inspired bit of songwriting reminiscent of The Decemberists. Oakley’s themes of travel and leaving behind the past, the tension between French and English, the undulating glockenspiel and guitar, relaxed percussion, and the introduction of strings make this one of the most impressive pieces in Wintermitts’ repertoire.
Complete with eco-friendly packaging including a seed packet for tomatoes, Heirloom is a creative and capable display of Wintermitts’ considerable talents. And I’ll bet they’re a fun time live, too.
MP3:
Wintermitts – Accord Mineur
Wintermitts – DANS
Buy at:
CD Baby / KERF Music
