(Antenna Farm)

www.antennafarmrecords.com

Winfred E. Eye has been at it for a decade now and in musical terms that's a long time.  In large part, the group's longevity likely has much to do with the creative force of duo Mikel Garmendia and Aaron Calvert, who have piloted the Eye-ship with ever-evolving crewmembers unfurling the various musical sails.

What Winfred does is a less self-consciously weird Tom Waits, a mellow vibe more akin to an Americana-soaked Heart of Saturday Night than Swordfishtrombones.  It's a good sound: moody and yet holding a clear sense of melody.  On their latest, Til I Prune, Winfred E. Eye has distilled that sound into a gem of rare and wonderful clarity.  On the album's strongest tunes, such as the heartbreaking "Sleeping," the band displays a clear sense of restraint that drives the melody forward with subtlety and grace.  Well, done, gentlemen.

Standout Tracks: "Sleeping," "Sweet Poison" CHRISTIAN KIEFER