Autumn has an image. The season is in full swing as the darkened leafs and conkers litter the ground, the shady nights creep in, and everyone starts wearing scarfs again. But rarely does Autumn have a signature sound. For me, the madcap Delaware based outfit The Spinto Band will always feature on my Autumn soundtrack. There's something about their unique jerky yet enchantingly melodic character that fits perfectly against the withering scene outside.
This quality screams out of the band's 2006 debut album Nice And Nicely Done; a collection that wafted between styles and themes with a quaint elegance. With the release of Moonwink in 2008, it is clear that the group have tried to re-capture this golden sound, but somehow fall short of the charm of their first effort.
Moonwink isn't bad by any means. It merely seems that The Spinto Band have dabbled with different styles, and have finally landed on a set sound in this album, one of fast paced folly. With upbeat tracks like 'Vivian, Don't', 'Pumpkins & Paisley' and 'The Carnival', this set sound bursts into life in a flurry of energetic shimmers. There are also some slight nods back to the more soul filled moments on their debut, such as the sullen 'They All Laughed' and the jaunty yet oddly delicate 'Summer Grof'. One stand out gem, the anthemic 'Needlepoint' crystallises exactly what The Spinto Band do best, and excites the ears of the listener in such a mesmerizing way. However, despite the remaining enchantment to the sound, the comfort that the band have opted for appears to have corrupted their once richer character. It's as if Moonwink is the band's attempt at being younger, as opposed to Nice And Nicely Done which now acts as the soulful maturing album. Whether or not this was intentional, Moonwink fails to deliver the same chills and goosebumps that were present in classics such as 'Oh Mandy' and 'Direct To Helmet'.
Being a fan of The Spinto Band's dazzling debut, Moonwink still manages to impress and delight, and in turn builds the urge within for more material from the band. Yet, despite this irresistible charm, Moonwink does not fit the image of Autumn, subsequently shifting my leafy season perspective towards a more sun filled forecast, making Nice And Nicely Done my preferred offering from the band.
So, one question remains, what can possibly feature on the perfect Autumn soundtrack in place of Moonwink? Any suggestions?
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