Here in Cleveland, the sometimes vaguely accurate weather gods we call meteorologists are calling for a foot or so of snow to dump on us over the next day. Hardly of epic proportions, but a pain in the ass nonetheless. In the very least, cause enough to void the social calendar (and work, if one is so lucky to (a) have a job and (b) take a snow day without losing said job) and stay home to listen to wintry tunes and drink warm mugs of delight. And, honestly, I can’t think of a better track to lead off your snow day playlist than the initial single from Portland-based White Hinterland’s forthcoming album, Kairos. Hell, even the name of the band shouts winter.
White Hinterland vocalist Casey Dienel – who last made a splash in Lake Blogosphere in October with covers of Justin Timberlake (“My Love”) and Arthur Russell (“Lucky Cloud”) – brings a little Victoria Bergstrom to the album, soft and sweet and a little cute. The effect works well with the enhanced production of this new album, which is less keyboard-driven than previous efforts, but rather turns to drum machines and chimes to add ethereal whimsy. This is music you should listen to when standing on the warm side of some frosted windows, watching snow fall and pedestrians trudge by, safe inside with steam rising from your cup.
Kairos, the third full-length album from White Hinterland, drops March 9th via Dead Oceans.
This is pretty good stuff! Thanks Dick!