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Posted - 02/05/2006 : 03:18:11 http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/entertainment/arts/s_420330.html
Winterpills prescribes simple approach
By Regis Behe TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Northampton, Mass., an hour and a half west of Boston, is a welcoming enclave for artists, writers and especially musicians.
"It's a real mix of everything from hardcore folk to the Pixies," says Philip Price of the Winterpills, who perform Saturday at Garfield Art Works.
J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, and Lloyd Cole have homes in the area, he points out.
But the Winterpills take their cue from none of those. The band's sound is an updated version of folk music with a modern patina. The music is by no means suited for hootenanny, but it does encourage introspection.
"I don't think we're trying to consciously morph a genre," Price says. "I think we're a little bit more concerned with trying to write good songs, and play them well. It's a really simple approach."
The band's self-titled debut on Signature Records especially showcases the band's emphasis on vocals. Price and vocalist Flora Reed at times echo the complex vocal arrangements of The Mamas & The Papas and X. The songs are similarly intricate, lyrical short stories that pay attention to the smallest details.
A few years ago, music like the Winterpills' might be considered an anachronism. The band's time, fortunately, coincides with a rise in popularity of music that incites thought rather than mayhem.
"We're in a good spot right now because, I think, in the indie pop realm, the audience has become very receptive to softer, gentler, more contemplative stuff," Price says. "Maybe Elliott Smith opened the door to that, or Iron and Wine. There's a lot of artists now that, 15 years ago, would be 'Oh, another guy with a guitar.'
"But suddenly they have indie cred, so there's this new breed of musician and fan that can dig back as far as Simon & Garfunkel or some of the softer stuff that came out of the '60s and '70s that you can draw a line to what's going on now."
Regis Behe can be reached at rbehe@tribweb.com or (412)320-7990.
Details
WINTERPILLS
When: 8 p.m. today
Admission: $6
Where: Garfield Artworks, 4931 Penn Ave., Garfield
Details: 412-361-2262 |
1 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
PowerSurge |
Posted - 06/23/2006 : 05:56:16 Yes. Worth checking out if you're into Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Belle & Sebastian, Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel....very mellow stuff, but quite lovely. |
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