SMITH

How did I miss the follow-up to the absolutely delightful Winston's debut from 2016, one of the most beloved albums of the year on this very website? Is it possible that everybody who loved that album missed this one, evidenced by ZERO reviews over a year after release and only 21 ratings? How about the fact that this album is better in every way? Could I continue an entire opening full of questions like, how is a group from 2016 based out of Italy considered "Canterbury Scene", before noticing Richard Sinclair on vocals and wondering what on earth have I missed?

The Winstons are a trio from Italy that, if I had to draw two comparisons, I would say they sound like a cross between Van Der Graff Generator and The Zombies. This is a collection of fun songs that never get boring and stick in your head for days. If you enjoyed their debut, you will love this. A few highlights; Tamarind Smile/Apple Pie is so cool. Around a Boat truly evokes the feeling of being "surrounded on both sides by open seas". Blue Traffic Light shows the full potential of this band... I get memories of Camel, Caravan, even so far as 80s Cardiacs. Richard Sinclar returns for "50 years of songs about insecurities with women" with "Impotence", and it's just as good as any Caravan song just with a rambling old man. This is not a bad thing. Soon Everyday is my favourite on the whole album though... I can't get enough. Rocket Belt at the end would be a great single, I don't know who Nic Cester is offhand but he is a good addition to the band.

This is great fun. Highly recommended to fans of Camel, VDGG, Cardiacs and Caravan.

28th January, 2022: The Winstons - Smith (canterbury scene, 2019)

A peculiar bit of anachronism - a record from 2019 that calls in majority back to the early 70's Canterbury scene of progressive rock. And they're from Italy. But I feel like there is a place for some Canterbury influence in modern music, as the kind of humour and whimsy of those bands can be found in a lot of modern indie. The Winstons aren't a pure clone - bits of this are more Tame Impala than Soft Machine, and I think the combination of the jazzy and fun old school prog with modern production is a nice one.

6.0 (2nd listen)

Part of my listening diary from my facebook music blog - www.facebook.com/TheExoskeletalJunction