A few years ago I was fortunate enough to catch South For Winter for some dates on their NZ tour, since when I have followed their career with interest. New Zealander Nick Stone and Coloradan Dani Cichon first met in 2014 when they were both volunteering in Peru, even writing some songs together before going on their separate ways. They met up again in Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving to Nashville where they became a trio with the addition of cellist Alex Stradal. Together the three provide cello, guitar, mandolin, suitcase stomp, and three-part harmonies to create music which switches between murder ballads (which they do have a lot of) and American/Kiwi folk. This is way more Americana than the English Tradition, and the use of complex arrangements and musicianship combined with glorious vocals make them a very interesting group to listen to indeed.
Their 2020 debut, ‘Luxumbra’, featured some additional guest musicians but since then they have been touring and playing in both America and New Zealand to wide acclaim which has provided them with a lot of confidence and what we have now is an album that sounds very much like what one would hear if one went to see them play. Nick often provides acoustic guitar, but there are times when he switches to electric if there is a need (such as on “Underneath The Blood Moon”), while Alex plays a role very similar to the cellists who worked so well with Harry Chapin, lifting the mood when the time is right, or providing additional melodies and depth to the arrangements. Dani brings in a mandolin when the time is right, and often is the lead singer, although not always, with her clear vocals contrasting to the darkness or combining with the light. Ahead of the album I had heard, and reviewed, various singles but to be honest any track could be lifted from this to demonstrate the passion and power of the guys.
They may not have a full-time drummer or work in a rock band setting, but there are times when the folk is forthright and in your face in a way which makes me wonder if they took on some elements from Albi & The Wolves when they played with them. They come back to New Zealand when the season is right, so let us hope they will be back here soon.
Rating: 8/10
