The Deadly Winters are an Edinburgh-based band comfortable whether veering in a folk or rock direction. Like many bands they are trying to make sense of what has happened the last few years and have found the perfect tonic in the release of a new record. A six-track effort is the elected mode to get back on the recording cycle and EVER ONWARDS is a fine addition to three other releases that have kept the band active over the last decade.
Two songs that stand out after perpetual plays are a value added re-working of a folk standard and a rousing closer bringing strands of all the band's derived sounds together. The deep folk dive is putting a stamp on the much recorded traditional song 'The Cuckoo'. While the structure remains intact, the version here ups the pace with fiddle driving the beat. Varying verdicts will always head the way of this song and The Deadly Winters will proudly stand by theirs. 'Fully Grown' closes the record and meets the perfect ideal of leaving your listener in fine spirit wanting more. The buoyant rhythm infuses an air of positivity as a theme of onwards and upwards prevails. Then again it emboldens the title of the record. A fully warranted standout song.
Promotion of the release is focussed on a video made for the mid-placed track 'Twenty Years'. We are in vibrant folk rock territory with the Scottish brogue of the vocals embedded into the listening radar. The folk frame is right upfront when we are introduced to what The Deadly Winters have to offer in opening track 'I'll Be Fine'. You sense straight away being in capable hands with a song bold in structure and smoothly executed. This slips into the more relaxed strains of 'Fox a Hunting' where strings make an impact in the background as we venture into the natural world to inspire the songwriting. The six is completed by the dual make up of 'We Don't Know' where a gently spun verse bursts into a lively chorus before returning to calmer waters. A song style that refreshes the listening palate.
EVER ONWARDS is laudable proof that independent music can pack a punch. The Deadly Winters put their sound on the line and deliver a freshly resolute and entertaining packed package. A trusted style underpins the record, while the band add a polish that meets with approval.