(Fatcat)

http://fat-cat.co.uk

The melancholy Scots, who have a knack for making the most somber of words jump and dance off the sheet, have returned with their 3^rd LP, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. An equally impressive feat as their last album Midnight Organ Fights, Winter not only introduces a new sound but a new band member, Gordon Skene.

With this LP more lush and orchestrated in sound, gone is the feeling that lead singer and writer Scott Hutchinson sat in a dim room in a melancholy haze and hashed out emotively raw gems such as Midnight's "Backwards Walk." But still ever present is Hutchinson's great lyrics and raspy voice that makes his words sincere. "Swim" and "The Wrestle" stand out for their catchy riffs as "Foot Shooter" highlights how Hutchinson's vocals melodies can make a song. Winter is yet another impressive release for the five gentlemen; let us hope that Hutchinson does not run out of stories to tell anytime soon.

Standout Tracks: "Swim Until You Can't See Land," "Foot Shooter" APRIL S. ENGRAM