by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
In case you're just coming out of a coma, or have consciously missed out, Melkbelly are one of the absolute best bands in the country. It's a bold statement, but one I stand by with every fiber of my being. While the band thrash through colossal riffs and brilliantly chaotic rhythms, at the heart of the band is guitarist/vocalist Miranda Winters. Her vocals and clever lyrics twist delicate word-play around the ensuing pummel she and her bandmates are consistently perfecting. Slight uses of near-repetition and warm melodic touches cut through the noise, it's the counterpoint in their sound that makes it so special (and the drumming... hot damn, that drumming, but that's not what this post is about). Back in January, Winters treated us to "The Future District," a solo effort that stripped everything back and confirmed what we all knew, she's a gifted songwriter in any capacity, context be damned. That song has since been mysteriously pulled from Bandcamp, but we're happy to present it once more - the first song from Winter's upcoming solo album, Xobeci, What Grows Here?. Due out June 15th on Sooper Records, the lo-fi cassette release is a pleasing blend of Winter's songwriting and field recordings.
Perhaps its the time the band has spent with The Breeders over the last few years, but "The Futuristic District" definitely shares a lot in common with the Deal sisters' sound. It's an influence that can be heard in Melkbelly, but it's increasingly apparent in her solo music, Winters shares a similar vocal timbre to Kim Deal, and a knack for creating slightly off-kilter pop songs. The lyrics are sweet but caustic, with imploding hearts, ringing ears, and those are who are not what they seem. There's a great clarity between the distorted verses and the clean breaks, each offering their own nuances as they song unfolds, winding with singular lines that cut deep and shift beautifully.
Miranda Winters' Xobeci, What Grows Here? is out June 15th via Sooper Records.