Listening to "Stone" from the talented trio South for Winter, one can get engrossed in the dainty and comforting sound of the tune. The bittersweet and slowly unfolding ballad is a first-rate example of how effectively the said band can capture the imagination and auditory senses. There are plenty of convincing points that compelled us to do a deep dive into this record and its creators!
An international collaborative effort, the band germinated in New Zealand and eventually based their operation on Nashville, the established and thriving epicenter of folk and Country music. Their career has already amassed several accolades worth mentioning; the group snagged semi-finalist and finalist positions in the esteemed International Songwriting Competitions while meriting admiration from websites like American Songwriter and For the Love of Bands. The audience has openly welcomed what they have to offer, as the latest album "Of Sea & Sky" was a crowdsourced project that gathered a stunning 141% of the funds needed for an independent release. Industriously touring across continents, they have successfully opened up for other renowned names such as The Arcadian Wild and The Rainbow Girls.
Their choices for discography range across a wide spectrum within the folk genre: from the macabre yet enchanting murder ballads to something outright hypnagogic (as is the case with "Stone”). With a deep-rooted devotion to down-to-earth indie folk themes, they have embraced grassroots and Americana styles in their songs. Take for instance "Ten Black Crows," an Outlaw style Country number led by gripping vocals vividly depicting a duel in the scorched Wild West. Another distinctive tune that pivots away from their signature sound would be "Tears of an Albatross," a three-part instrumental composition present in their newest album; strings, guitars, and other percussions take part in creating a rich sonic tapestry, fulfilling its role as emotive interludes.
Starting with a delicate opening, "Stone" gently introduces the listener to a guitar plucking slowly as a wholehearted, yearning duet comes in. The songwriting is a meticulous effort that beautifully brings out the longing and melancholy, and so does the singing which remains ever so intimate and profuse. There's more as swaying drums, soft strings, and other instruments unify in a well-coordinated production, implanting a more sentimental and breezy tonality. Poetic and soothing, the lyrics are all about lovers who are resolute about their reunion, rendered passionately into a tender ballad by heartwarming vocals.
Listen to "Stone" on Spotify and stay tuned with South for Winter on their Instagram.
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