Winter, “Wherever You Are” (self-released 8/18/16)
LA’s Winter is a musical project of vocalist/guitarist Samira Winter, with recording and live work from David Yorr, Garren Orr and Matt Hogan. “Wherever You Are” is a new release from the band – with it, they’ve crafted a woozy, sinuous track fit snugly at the intersection of psych- and dream pop.
Opening with a kaleidoscopic, Vangelis-like keyboard intro, “Wherever” features Winter’s feather light, whispered vocals amid arpeggioed, thrumming guitar lines and layered effects, all building towards an absolute skyscraper of a chorus. Musical sign posts abound, from ones you might expect (Pale Saints, Cocteau Twins (the phaser/delay effect at the 3:45 is particularly Guthrie-esque), MBV, the airier edge of trip hop), to some you might not (there’s hints of the more wide open, arena ready psych of Spiritualized, as well as a something that reminded me of “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd).
The notes on the group’s Bandcamp page indicate the song was initially recorded in the singer’s bedroom. This makes sense, as there’s a feeling here akin to staring out of the window into the night sky, searching for answers or a new way. Goodnight, (dark side of the) moon.
“Wherever You Are” is available to download (for $1!) via Bandcamp. From some of the posts on Winter’s fbook page (you can also check them on the twitt), it would appear the band is at work on a new full length. Here’s hoping.