Surf rock and sixties sentiments and melodies light up the catchy grooves of this uplifting new live-style 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 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.
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, 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 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 identity and voice forever at the forefront.
Next we get something of a heartfelt, shoulder-swaying poem and song that’s beautifully immersive. 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.
Finally, a heavy dose of contrast lets delicacy and weight work masterfully together, as Little by Little injects something powerful, conceptually enthralling, and vastly arena-rock-like by nature. These timeless lyrics captivate, the ideas pierce through the softness of elsewhere, and there’s something gripping, provocative, and unignorable about this closing choice of song.
An Oasis cover is unexpected but fitting, and the Winchester 7 twist on the melody, the raw dissonance and change of tone, all feels like a completely different track. It’s a memorable curtain call, and an EP that naturally holds closely to the Winchester 7 freedom of play.
EP out June 12th. Find Winchester 7 & the Runners on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Apple & their Website.
