Winfred E. Eye
(Antenna Farm)
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
