Wintermute - Fun with Wizard Stencils

  by Helen Tipping

published: 7 / 8 / 2008

Label: On the Bone Records
Format: CDS

intro

Somewhat clinical-sounding debut EP from self-proclaimed math pop act Wintermute, who shine better as a live act

Wintermute are from Leeds and have recently released this, their debut EP, after much touring with other local bands including a support slot with Oceansize. According to their publicity blurb it’s math pop, so I guessed before I heard this EP that it would combine the complex rhythms of late 80's math rock with more contemporary indie pop, and that is exactly what it sounds like. Wintermute's playing is excellent, and the vocals of singer Dan Howard are very passionate, if occasionally a little yelpy in style. The EP was quite enjoyable, although a couple of the tracks were a little too similar. I prefer the band live where their passion and commitment shines through more clearly than on the EP. It’s early days yet, well for recordings anyway – the band have been together for 4 years, and I hope that future recordings sum up their live enthusiasm as this one has a bit of a clinical sound to it.

Track Listing:-