The Long Winters - Ultimatum

There’s something strangely comforting about winter. A favorite jacket, another blanket on the bed, and an excuse to stay in with a warm drink - the whole “weather frightful, fire delightful” mentality. It’s cold and lonely, but it’s cozy and secluded and on Ultimatum, the Long Winters live up to their season. The EP’s title track finds Roderick singing “My arms miss you, my hands miss you, the stars sing – I’ve got their song in my head” with a burning sincerity and passion that doesn’t sound the least forced or contrived. “Delicate Hands,” on the other hand, goes a little over the top, as would any other song that mentions “butter-rum candy.” However, the live tracks “Bride and Briddle” and an acoustic take on “Ultimatum” regain the intimacy with a stripped down feel, taking out production in favor of the warmth of a guitar and an earnest vocal. So despite its drawbacks, The Long Winters have created a warm and welcoming EP, complete with stoked fireplace and whipped cream topping. Which is really a good thing… considering winter’s just around the corner. [www.thelongwinters.com]