Surf rock and sixties influences meet with relatable contemporary themes of connection and longing in the digital age. Strong grooves and brilliantly catchy melodies promise an uplifting but thought provoking EP, from indie’s one and only ukulele rock troubadours.
Winchester 7 & the Runners launch their latest collection with soaring solos and a colourful vocal collective, as Waitin’ Here For You is quick to light up the space, and remind us of the nostalgia and energy that Winchester 7 & the Runners consistently bring.
The live crash of the drums, the subtle reverb, the swift rise and fall, the double vocals – we’re embraced by the simplicity of times past, and awakened by a fresh anthemic air of opportunity and brightness.
Then as we move into I’m Goin’ Down, the vocal is lower, the guitar tone a touch more grunge-like, and something generally hazy emerges; to counter the equal optimism of the song’s hook and solo-work.
The EP’s title is No Worse For Wear, a seemingly hopeful take, reflecting on a journey that may have been tumultuous but ultimately left no deep scars. The lyrics are disguised sometimes within the mix, but not for the opening song, and not at all for the upbeat jam and character of The World From My Bed.
The storytelling here is poignant, and the indie sway and swagger is really well-placed – not least of all for this being one of the most interesting and memorable hooks of the EP. Airinna Namara features to complete a beautiful performance all round.
Ballad of the Bishop of Eastwood is then brilliant musically, a dramatic old-school stomp and groove, with quiet or tentative vocals laying down a story that naturally intrigues. Blending arena-ready guitar tones with something much more foggy or uncertain, we’re presented with a uniquely interesting and calming set of scenes and ideas.
That melodic up-then-down schedule is classic Winchester 7 & the Runners, and feels reminiscent of previous albums, while the recording style is something more clean, and the writing clearly more anthemic by nature.
The Talk is another highlight, a stylish rock and roll track with playful vocals and clean-cut imagery that’s quick to take you to the centre of the story. The hook is easy but rhythmically clever, catchy and quirky, and the stop-start nature of the mix lets the energy and unity of the band shine brightly.
Then Winchester 7 & the Runners intrigue further still, for the higher-passion and melodic favourite that is the compelling 10 Easy Steps.
In many ways, this EP celebrates the back-to-basics approach that is synonymous with indie rock bands like Winchester 7 & the Runners – the real live set-up, the organic instrumentation, the classic writing and passion.
There’s also something characterful and fun enough to make this particular EP feel fresh and relevant though, and 10 Easy Steps is perfectly satisfying in that respect – great vibrancy, great riffs, a great blend of sixties rock and 2000s indie, with that key Winchester 7 & the Runners identity and voice forever at the forefront.
Next we get something of a heartfelt, shoulder-swaying poem and song that’s beautifully immersive. Featuring Jenny Conlee of The Decemberists on keys, and Guy Page of Coach Party on mixing and drums, The Way You Moved is gorgeous, an intimate story and sound, with a kind of Pixies-like distortion or overtone masking the softness and swing of the groove.
It’s mildly psychedelic, but romantic and reflective, comforting and calming, and easily another favourite from No Worse For Wear. The profoundness of the lyrics is deeply moving, and feels personal, most likely evocative and unique in effect, to each who listens.
Promising topical themes reflecting on modern issues like social media and the digital realm at large, this project is easily one of the most established and forward thinking yet from Winchester 7 & the Runners.
The band have intertwined musicianship and storytelling to a fine degree, exploring the age of the internet and human connections in a manner that’s purposeful and impactful from the start, and as such, each timeless song speaks volumes.
EP Out Now. Find Winchester 7 & the Runners on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Apple & their Website.
