Those who didn’t sneak upstairs early, at the Barfly last night, (28th May 2014) missed a rare treat. Winchesters ‘Wild Smiles’ made the trip up the M3 to support ‘More Than Conqurers’ and in turn gave us an insight into just why they seem to be most music journalists flavor of the month.
It was a frenetic and engaging performance that gave neither the band nor the audience an opportunity to take breath. It was relentless, well crafted surf-pop with an edgy and distorted rock topping that certainly deserved a larger gathering. Current release ‘Fool For You’ was quite stunning but it was ‘Never Wanted This’ which highlighted the incredible song-writing talents of the band. A track so strong that it’s already been given an August release date ahead of the bands debut album ‘Always Tomorrow’ (released on the 27th October 2014 via Sunday Best Recordings). In fact, a song so strong that i would suggest it is already being consciously added to radio station play-lists the breadth of the UK.
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The bands material has a beautiful west-coast surf feeling to it and it’s surprising something this sun-kissed could have come from a very green and quaint Winchester. Having lived in the area myself for most of my youth it’s a relief to finally see something identified with it other than tales of its Cathedral or King Alfred the Great. In a city steeped in such history ‘Wild Smiles’ are certainly doing their bit to ensure they go down in the folklore of England’s first capital.
The band are due to play the following dates and with warmer weather promised this summer ‘Wild Smiles’ surf-pop could be the perfect accompaniment…
2nd June – Sebright Arms, London
16th June – King Tuts, Glasgow
17th June – Soup Kitchen, Manchester
18th June – Bodega, Nottingham
11th July – Festibelly
The set-list for the Barfly gig was as follows…
Round & Round
Fool For You
Never Wanted This
See You Again
The Gun
Always Tomorrow
I’m Gone
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