SHADOW

Released: October 2010
Distribution: Cdbaby worldwide

Tracklist:

Tomahawk (3.40)
Shadow (3.00)
8X10 (4.02)
Sucker for Punishment (5.02)
Lighter (3.34)

Buy via iTunes here

REVIEWS

Shadow E.P from BLISTERING .COM
Reviewed By: Justin Donnelly
[8.5/10]

With a career that spans close to a decade, Melbourne-based stoner/heavy rock outfit Winterun have not only stood the test of time, but also managed to carve themselves an enviable niche within the underground east coast scene, and in the process have earned themselves a reputation for their live shows that seems to grow with each passing year.

Having spent the better part of the last two years working on new material only heightened my expectations of Winterun’s latest effort. And after giving the band’s latest EP release a thorough listen, I can honestly say that I’m suitably impressed with the results.

Spearheading this five track effort are three brand new tunes, with “Tomahawk” leading the charge. Although Winterun have always been a band that flirted with the heavier end of the spectrum, “Tomahawk” marks a whole new level of heaviness for the band in the sound sense, with Matt Taylor’s bass work sounding far more prominent in the group’s overall sound, while Nick Dunstan’s vocals seem to have taken on a bit more of an aggressive edge.

Although nowhere as heavy on the gas, the title track “Shadow” is definitely one of the EP’s strongest efforts with its infectious choruses and mix of guitar riffs, while the final new track “8 X 10” sits comfortably between the former two in the directional sense, with its equal measure of stoner rock and blues influences coming to the fore. It’s something new from the band, and a welcome change at that.

Closing out the EP are reworked/re-recorded live favourites “Sucker For Punishment” (from 2006’s Welcome To…) and “Lighter” (from 2004’s The Full Effect), both of which have benefited from a bigger sound, a stronger production and some inspired additional harmonica work from Catfish Voodoo’s Arron Gillet.

Overall, Shadow is a rock solid little EP from Winterun, and a clear sign that when the band finally get around to releasing their new album, it’s sure to be a monster release.
 

Review from HEAVY PLANET

Reviwer: Toby

Winterun are a stoner rock outfit from Melbourne, Australia who have been slugging it out in the trenches of the independent music scene down under for over ten years. With this five song E.P., which is the band’s first release since 2007’s Into the Underground (and fourth overall), these Aussies are hoping to whet your appetite for their groove heavy tunes prior to the release of their next full length album, which is scheduled to drop later this year. If you’re familiar with the band, then you don’t need me to tell you how much ass they kick. But for those who have yet to be initiated, Shadow is the perfect introduction to Winterun, as it features three brand new tracks alongside two of the band’s older cuts that have been spit shined and given one hell of a blues-rock makeover.

The disc starts with “Tomahawk”, a riff heavy rocker with a significant Clutch vibe. The song is highlighted by the guitar playing of Guy Martin and it’s punctuated by the gravelly rasp of vocalist Nick Dunstan. The band uses dual guitars (Dunstan plays rhythm) to simultaneously create the heavy crunch that drives their sound while allowing the lead to come to the forefront of the songs, creating a level of depth that carries them beyond your typical “riff-rock” fare. The title track from Shadow is a perfect example of this, and it’s my personal favorite of this collection. “8 X 10”, the last of the three new songs, is yet another example of the band’s ability to combine groove and rhythm, thanks in part to drummer Joel Schneidruk and new bassist Matt Taylor with looser, free roaming guitar to create a sort of alt-stoner sound, kind of like a heavy ass version of Pearl Jam.

The final two tracks are remakes of “Sucker for Punishment” from the band’s 2005 album Welcome To… and “Lighter” off their 2004 debut The Full Effect. The new versions of these songs feature the harmonica playing of Aaron Gillet, which completely transforms Winterun’s sound into a bluesy, Southern rock explosion. As I described previously, Shadow is a sort of merging of the old and the new for these Australian stoner rock vets. The result is a quick, but altogether satisfying taste of Winterun and something to tide you over until the real deal arrives later in 2011.

Review from Rhythms Magazine
Reviewer: Samuel J. Fell

I was introduced to the groove-heavy Winterun via a four-hour drinking session with the band upstairs at the Corner Hotel a few years ago.  The purpose of said session was to interview this metal-infused quartet - I can’t quite remember what about - and I did, but I also made a few friends, we bonded over our common love of music and our appreciation for Goat Dark Ale, as I recall.

As a result of this interaction, I’ve made an effort to get out and see Winterun as often as I can, and they’ve ingrained in my brain a sound heard not that often in this world, that of heavy-as-fuck tunes, laid through a blues ethos with a GROOVE as big as a house, shattering your brain and thrashing your head in the process. What we have here then, is the epitome of that live show – Shadow, the band’s first EP, and their third offering overall, and what a scorcher it is.

I’ll make a few comparisons here, so you know where I’m coming from – if the mighty Dreadnaught (best metal band in the country, hands down) drank beer with Clutch then stepped out the back to burn one down with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, then Winterun is the vomit that would no doubt ensue.  Extremely groove heavy (incredibly reminiscent of Dreadnaught, but with their own spin to be sure), harmonica blowin’ (that’s where Clutch come in) with a guttural yell n’ howl (a la JSBX), Shadow is Winterun at their utter best.  Containing three new tracks, plus a couple of reworked live favourites (‘Sucker For Punishment’ and ‘Lighter’), this is a winner of an EP, whetting the appetite for LP number three.  Bring. It. On.

Review from Daredevil records, Germany

Reviewer Jochen Boellath

Maybe some of you underground lovers know that band from Melbourne. They released some good EPs and Demos in the last 10 years and now they are back with a new 5 track EP. And it is a big surprise, because the material is heavier than before and with a l…ot of power and groove! SHADOW features 3 brand new tracks and 2 re-worked live favorites. And all in a cool digipack! The opener TOMAHAWK is a great blues ridden Stoner Rock song like CLUTCH, HALFWAY TO GONE or SASQUATCH did it (or most of the Small Stone label). The vocals are rougher as in the past and the mighty power is cool! The following SHADOW is more relaxed, with a slower vibe and some cool guitar (solo) work again. 8×10 is like a bluesy Stoner Rock song before the mighty SUCKER FOR PUNISHMENT (with a great harmonica beginning) will make your body move! And the catchy LIGHTER (again with great harmonica in it) close that record too fast! The perfect music for a small bar in the middle of nowhere! A big surprise!