This quintet from Athens, Georgia is starting out strong with their first album which delivers a sound that is peacefully rhythmic. Lead singer and bassist Patrick Keenan writes the majority of the songs while creating lyrics that are smart, eloquent and emotionally stimulating. But this is not an album that crosses the line into that Emo, 'woe is me' crap. The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley, Minus the Bear, and Modest Mouse are just a few of the bands many influences, which is competently displayed on Porcelain Empire.

On The Winter Sounds Myspace Keenan confesses to living in his van,showing his passion for his music in a starving artist kind of way. Living out of his van may have helped him create such emotionally impacting lyrics that flow slyly through the melody. ‘You Cant Give Up’ builds tension through a rhythmic clap-a-long and the lyrics are insightful and easy to relate to “It’s like you cant give up/ but you cant go on/ and all you can do is sing along, but it’s someone else’s melody/ that’s eclipsing the sun in front of me”.

Just like any good book The Winter Sounds tracks begin simply and at the climax reach a fevered pitch with more demanding vocals and instrumentals. Track 4 begins with a lovely xylophone lullaby that eases you into the hook of “pardon me always”. Porcelain Empire plays with volume by beginning with calm vocals that are paired with one or two instruments then the song will surprise your ears with an outburst of guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals that take on a bruiting demanding tone. Almost every album has one or two songs that you skip over because you just can’t get into it, Porcelain Empire is no exception. The record is mostly stand out songs that you want to listen to all the way through however some of the songs will get skipped.

The Winter Sounds bleed indie and are destined to join the ranks of the bands that they attribute their sound to. If you are a big fan of Indie music I suggest picking up a copy of Porcelain Empire for your collection.

thewintersounds.com