Winter Wilson - Far Off on the Horizon
by Stephen Simkin
published: 26 / 3 / 2018
Label:
Winter Wilson
Format: CD
intro
Superb eighth album which focuses on migration and social justice from Americana/folk duo Winter Wilson
'Far Off on the Horizon' is Winter Wilson’s eighth album, and they have come such a long way from their debut, 1999's 'By the Skin of Our Teeth'. For this is an album which has the quality of composition and production in order to consolidate all gains made before, and to push on in the recognition stakes. It’s an album which deals with today's themes of migration and social justice, but with hindsight, these are universal themes that have forever been sung about. For example, 'Grateful for the Rain (Billy Boy') is an achingly beautiful song about a Liverpool lass emigrating for love to Calgary. It is actually based on a letter home by May Grayston, who had emigrated to Canada from Liverpool in 1922. 'I Cannot Remain' is a song from the heart of an immigrant - how contemporary - with the chilling line “I've seen the very best of men, but now I fear the worse.” History repeating itself. And the social theme is continued with 'Ghost', where statistics are manipulated by the click of a mouse. The disadvantaged are the disenfranchised. Same as it ever was. But it is also an album that doesn’t ignore the personal. For instance, the passing of time and personal emotional regret is addressed in 'St Peter's Gate', of a woman jilted before even getting to the altar. She spends her time in household duties, dressed just in case for a gentleman caller that will never in fact call, because her flower has faded. 'Hard Walkin’ ends the album in fuzzy, gospel style, with handclaps and mouth organ, the marching rhythm is in perfect sync to the lyric. 'Far Off on the Horizon' is a superb album, with well crafted songs and the production nouse and expertise to enhance them. If you haven’t heard of Winter Wilson, then there is no better introduction to them than this. Period.
Track Listing:-
1 Far off on the Horizon2 Grateful for the Rain (Billy Boy)
3 I Cannot Remain
4 The Freo Doctor
5 Ghost
6 The Ship It Rocked
7 Tried and Tested
8 The Old Man Was a Sea Dog
9 St. Peter's Gate
10 What Can I Do to Make You Happy?
11 When First I Met Amanda
12 Hard Walkin'
Band Links:-
https://winterwilson.com/https://www.facebook.com/winterwilsonmusic/
https://twitter.com/winter_wilson
live reviews |
Atkinson, Southport, 26/1/2018 |
Steve Kinrade watches acoustic folk duo Winter Wilson play an enthralling set in support of Fairport Convention to promote their latest album 'Far Off on the Horizon'. |
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart