South for Winter - EP Review: Acoustic Sessions
Earlier this year I agreed to review a
concert of the Nashville-based husband and wife duo of Nick Stone (vocals,
guitar) and Dani Cichon (vocals, mandolin), without previously having heard any
of their music and it is fair to say I was blown away. I was fortunate enough
to see them on two consecutive nights, and the mix of Dani’s pure, clear vocals
with Nick’s more classical tones was something to behold. It was only after I
had seen them that I was able to pay attention to their debut album, Luxumbra,
which also features the third member of the band, cellist Alex Stradal who
was unable to make the journey to Aotearoa. That 2020 album is a delight, and
they funded it with a Kickstarter campaign which raised more than 120% of its
funding goal, so they have now gone back into the studio and re-recorded four
of the songs from the album totally acoustically.
Apparently, the songs were chosen by their fans, and if I was pushed to make a selection, I would say it is hard to disagree with this quartet, as it clearly shows the different elements of the band. It doesn’t say if this is a live in-studio recording but it would not surprise me if that was the case as it contains that vibrancy and energy which only comes from a live performance. When the duo was here I could not imagine them being any better, but there is no doubt that Alex provides additional elements to the music, either in an orchestral manner or providing a stronger bottom end, utilising the full range of sounds available with a cello. The EP starts acapella, with just some reverb on the harmonies as Nick and Dani launch into the light number which is Always You, and immediately we are transfixed, all attention on the vocals, with the mandolin, cello and acoustic guitar providing the perfect backdrop as Dani provides wonderful clarity, with Nick’s harmonies offsetting those clear sounds.
South For Winter have a couple of distinct styles, with murder ballads being one of them, dark and menacing, gothic and full of menace, emotional and haunting. Devil Is A Callin’ is the first of these, with Alex’s cello creating a timbre and style which moves into a very dark place indeed. Twine brings back into a far warmer and friendly environment, with picked guitar the perfect accompaniment as Dani is far lighter in manner. This was the first single from the original album, inviting and gently bringing us closer so we don’t miss anything.
The final song is the one for me which is the absolute highlight, another murder ballad, Ten Black Crows. This was the very first song I ever heard them perform and I was in awe of what I was hearing back then. Since then, it has become a firm favourite, and the feelings being created with this number are dark, emotional, heartfelt, and deep. Alex provides a stirring bottom end, Dani and Nick’s voices join, and then the last minute allows them all to show off their chops as the voices lift, the music becomes more intense, and it feels like we are being dragged on a wild ride. South For Winter are back up North at the moment but let us hope they again decide to come South for our summer, as they are one of the most dynamic bands around. If you enjoy Americana and folk then this EP is essential, as is Luxumbra, and keep playing them until you can catch the guys yourselves. Awesome.
Cover Art Credit: Derik Hobbs
About South for Winter
The band has landed accolades such as a Finalist for 'Best Group/Duo' in the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards, Semi-Finalist in the 2023 and 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Official Showcase Artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2023, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in 2024 and 2022, and 'Most Wanted' emerging artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2019. Their music has been praised by sites such as American Songwriter ("laden with delicate harmonies, intricate guitar-work, and earthy vocals... impeccable sound"), No Depression ("must-see artist"), For the Love of Bands ("a wonderful mix of indie and folk rock"), Grateful Web ("eclectic in the best sense of the word"), and AmericanaUK ("an ethereal, dreamy, journey...a journey well-worth taking").
South for Winter recorded their upcoming sophomore album, Of Sea and Sky, in Nashville TN alongside multi Grammy award-winning producer Matt Leigh (Willie Nelson, Sister Sadie). The album - out May 16, 2024 - has already received an outpouring of support, raising over $21,000 (>141% of its funding goal) for its upcoming independent release; achieving shoutouts from sites like No Depression Magazine and Grateful Web; landing on three Spotify editorial playlists with album singles; and having airplay from stations such as WMOT Roots Radio (Murfreesboro TN), WFUV Radio (NYC), Radio New Zealand, and WFMT (Chicago IL).
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for South for Winter
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