Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band
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Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band

Rutland, Vermont, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2022 | SELF | AFTRA

Rutland, Vermont, United States | SELF | AFTRA
Established on Jan, 2022
Solo Alternative Americana

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"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band release the Gravel Church"

The Gravel Church is country fried rock, alt country, rock, folk,pop and roots music all rolled into one. - Rock at Night Magazine


"Country 102.5 catch of the week"

Kristian has lost, found, Broken and rebuilt all along using his voice and his music to heal and share his remarkable life. - Country 102.5 Carolyn Kruse


"Kristian Montgomery fought the law and his music won."

A sterling work of Americana and roots rock - The Patriot ledger


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band "The Gravel church""

Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band release must listen cd. - Houston music review


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band release epic roots album"

One of the best roots albums to come out of New England in a very longtime - Bill Copeland music news


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Explore the unique world of Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band. This album is a nice place to stay awhile. - Nashville country music magazine


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band proudly releases "The Gravel church ""

It goes to show that light can form out of Darkness and the Gravel church is a testament to that fact - Skope magazine


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band- return to traditional country"

Country and classic rock are not genres that are naturally grouped together. Kristian has blended the 2 together beautifully to create guitar solos with a bit of twang, rockn roll n roll mixed with a bit of classic Americana.With this "New" sound" he has released his 1st full length album. - The Beat critiques


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band- Razor wire heart"

Only someone who has lived through these experiences could write lyrics like this. - The alternative mix tapes


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band soar on latest release"

The bands roots grow over multiple genres honing in on their love of country and rock while incorporating different elements of sounds from different genres to deliver "A New" experience to the music scene - Buzz Music


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band exceed expectations with debut"

A fantastic album and a true breath of fresh air in the resurgent country music genre - We write about music


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band "American fire ""

American fire is a single with a Nashville melodrama sound which instantly captures your attention with its magical sound - That blogger music


"Discovery: Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Kristian has a lovely voice that suites his music perfectly and impressive guitar work - York calling (london)


"From incarceration to the gravel church"

Kristian Montgomery has created a "Watershed record " in The Gravel church. - Limelight magazine


"Welcome to the Gravel church"

Everything country and rock n roll is supposed to be - Americana music magazine


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band The Gravel church"

I thoroughly enjoyed the sound and artistry of the Gravel church - The country column


"Corona virus canceled his long awaited tour"

The things Kristian survived are so dramatic that they seem like a theme in a country song and indeed those hard times figures into the roots rock songs he writes - Palm Beach post


"What made you country, Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

The album is a grungier take on country rock with full guitars and heartfelt lyrics - Three chords country


"Review of the Gravel church"

Kristian has a created a musical masterpiece in the Gravel church - Metronome magazine Boston


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band Take you home"

Doesn't usually cover country artist but gave a great review of the single - Seths rock report


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

KMWKB bring together so many wonderful sounds into one package im at a loss for words as to where to begin. - Wild roots Magazine


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery"

A good Q and A - Indie music discovery


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Q&A - Indie interview with rc


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery"

Q&A - MEET-COUNTRY


"Turntable Tuesday "The Gravel church""

The Gravel church is a unique collection of songs from a man who has live a Haggard kind of life - The country Angel


"French language review"

French language review - Direct-actu


"Top 10 songs of 2020"

A great radio show inBoston - Bumble bee radio


"5 horses by Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Spanish language blog in Ecuador - Indie criollo


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

French language blog - Alongsidenashville


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Q%A - Music of the future


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band Soul for soul"

This song is typically them, if you follow them you'll love it. If you don't your missing out - Nashville sessions


"Artist release album during pandemic"

Interview with Kristian - Cape cod times


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Spanish language review - Rhodiemusic


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Review - I am music critics


"An interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Kristian was kind enough to share B-side single 'Soul for Soul' with us, a stunning acoustic country track that couples Montgomery's raspy vocals with the use of a harpsichord to create a unique, fully rounded performance. - Middle eight


"Spotlight interview"

American fire holds nothing back - Recording artist guild


"Italian music blog take on Prince of poverty"

https://trexroads.altervista.org/prince-of-poverty-kristian-montgomery-the-winterkill-band-2021-english/ - Trex roads


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band strike it rich on Prince of poverty"

Kristian Montgomery dives deep on Prince of Poverty - The Patriot ledger/Brockton Enterprise


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

A Q&A with Kristian - Crazy on classic rock


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill bands new single "Warm grave""

Warm grave opens with a emotionally driven acoustic guitar, the lyrics are close to the chest with a southern twang - Premier source music


"Interview with Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band have a unique blend of country, alternative and rock. - John's music hub


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Q&A with Kristian - The review fix


"Interview with Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Q&A with Kristian - For everyone now


"Review of prince of poverty"

He performs songs that are raw and real - Rock at night


"Review of both The Gravel church and Prince of poverty"

A bloggers take on the last 2 albums - Confessions of a music geek blog


"Review of Prince of poverty"

Kristian is the outlaw artist we hoped would return - Interviews with rc


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band strike it rich with Prince of poverty"

Montgomery hasn't stopped writing and recording - The patriot ledger


"Review of They'll Remember my name"

Spanish language review - Rhodie music


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band work through rage on Prince of poverty"

Theirs a immediate sense of ragged rage - Worcester Magazine


"Review of they'll remember my name"

Montgomery has one of the more colorful stories I've come across and I've come across a lot of colorful stories - Ear2theground music blog


"Rambling man reviews- japan"

Kmwkb take us through a spell binding and tumultuous journey of well crafted song writing and engaging tracks - Review of they'll remember my name


"Kmwkb give a brilliant rocking beat down to social justice on Prince of poverty"

Montgomery and his band of merry men dropped another hard charging rocking roots album - Bill Copeland music news


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band are the Prince of poverty"

The album has a uplifting hopeful characteristics to it that allows you to escape the doldrums into a bombastic paradise - Music box pete


"Review of prince of poverty"

Goes great with a glass of Scottish whiskey - Mangorave music blog


"Review of prince of poverty"

Album review - John's music hub


"Review of prince of poverty"

Much edgier than the gravel church with jangly hooks and a strong rootsy foundation - Mixerr reviews blog


"Review of prince of poverty"

Thos album defines his sound and is sure to give him a seat at the table with major label artists. - Amplify music magazine


"Review of prince of poverty"

Neil Young style rock combined with country, blues and country rock - Fiercely Americana


"Top 6 albums of March 2021 Melbourne Australia"

Strong and worthy ensemble of alt country and Americana tracks with straight aim and worldly balance - Listening through the lines


"Prince of poverty is more crucial and significant than you think"

Review of Prince of poverty - Sarah m korongo music blog S Africa


"REVIEW, Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band "Prince of poverty ""

Local Boston music blog - Geoff Wilbur music blog


"Roots cafe Netherlands country music blog"

A music blog via the Netherlands - Roots cafe


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band Prince of poverty review"

Review of the new record - Pump it up magazine


"Prince of poverty review"

A music blog in the Midwest - The country Angel


"Prince of poverty is the result of the pandemic"

A great interview - CAPE NEWS


"In session with Kristian of Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Cool interview out of upstate NY - Nippertown


"Defying labels"

Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band bring Appalachian rock to Bondvilel - Bennington Banner


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band A Heaven for Hertics"

Review - Seven days VT


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band bring a dark tinged country rock"

Review - Worcester magazine


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band hit their stide"

Review - Times Argus


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band offers greater Americana vision"

Review - Bill Copeland music news


"Boston based montgomery and the winterkill band release a Heaven for Heretics"

Review - Music box pete


"if I live to see Virginia"

Review of single - Country queer


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band"

Review from the Netherlands - Bluestone music


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band lancado o novice a Heaven for Heretics"

Chile based blog - Roadie metal


"Prince of poverty"

Review - Music street journal


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band"

Review out of Washongton DC - Music to my ears blog


"Kristian montgomery is a normal guy with a extraordinary life"

Review/feature - NYS Music


"Boston based artist release"

Review - The Enterprise


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band talks touring"

Interview - City wide black out


"Kristian montgomery and the winterkill band release new single"

Review - Rock at night


"Roots music at its finest"

Review - Rock at Night


"Transform tragedy into catalyst for New record"

Review - Nippertown


"Q&A with Kristian Montgomery"

Q&A - Country queer


"Defying labels"

Q&A music review - Bennington banner


"It's his life that's extraordinary"

Interview - NYS Music


"Cd review"

Album review of A Heaven for Hertics - Rutland Herald


"Cd review"

Cd review of a Heaven for Heretics - Bill Copeland music news


"Album review..A Heaven for heretics"

Album review - Music Box pete


"Forging his own path"

Interview , music review - Brattleboro reformer


"Review of 4th of july"

Song review - Music to my ears


"Review of Gypsy Girl (greece)"

Song review - Nagamag


"A Heaven for heretics"

Album review - Sevendaysvt


"Release emotional single"

Single review - Seth's rock report


"Review"

Review by Eric Harbardian - Aoide magazine


"Lower County Outlaw"

Florida native Kristian Montgomery settled easily into Vermont life when he moved here in 2020, making a happy home in Wallingford complete with goats, horses and fowl. His sound, on the other hand, may not have fit into the Green Mountain musical landscape quite as well. - Sevendaysvt


"Kristian Montgomery and the winterkill band take risks"

Browse: Home / 2023 / October / Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band maintain high standards, take risks on Lower County Outlaw
Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band maintain high standards, take risks on Lower County Outlaw
By Bill Copeland on October 1, 2023

Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band punched out this Lower County Outlaw album in recent months. Montgomery & The Winterkill Band, as usual, rock right out with the aggression of a knife wielding street gang. As with their last three albums KMTWB rip the soulfulness out of country and muscle it into a rock and roll attitude.

Opening track “Submit To My Transmission” finds the band staring out with some trippy lead guitar picking and a profoundly sad, forlorn lead vocal. Its low key, down tempo approach does not mask the build up in Montgomery’s simmering attitude. Before long, he’s belting with soulful sustains and a lead guitar eruption spikes, burning more brightly as it hits ever higher notes. A mellow vocal sweep moves around the guitar spark to create a contrast between soul and pain. Nice touch.

“Around And Around” features a mischievous lead guitar line spiraling around Montgomery’s lofty vocal cruise. This singer keeps his wide smooth voice in the midst of intimidating guitar action. That he can remain as vital as the cutting guitar line shows his strength as a vocalist as well an arranger. His tuneful rhythm section keep a pulpy, juicy groove beneath the upper register rumble.

“The Long Gone Blues” burns right into the listener’s awareness with a smoldering lead guitar. Its smoky phrase moves aside to let Montgomery emote vocally over a groove that’s party shuffle, part rocking. Montgomery puts his three cents in, displaying his world weary view and startling tale with a sturdy assertion. Giving more credibility to this number is an earthy organ swirl. It gives another heaping scoop of soul while the vocal sustains with masculine authority and the lead guitar screams with finality, an ending that does justice.

“The 4th of July” eventually erupts into another bonfire of blistering electric guitar and soaring, sweeping lead vocals. Its high flying act remind of how things, like the flying trapeze, can go very wrong if one part of the act doesn’t coincide with another. Like a fireworks display, it begins with one large impression at a time. This starts out with a slow swagger, Montgomery singing his metaphor with wide gentlemanly aplomb, walking it out over a jittery electric guitar line and a subtle groove. Soon, a fiery slab of electric guitar starts wailing before its wails turn to screams and we feel we’re all heading to a grand finale, a finale we may or may not like. It’s amazing how well this outfit builds tensions and moods.

Pushy guitars, bossy bass guitar, and a plucky drummer push “I Don’t Know What’s Real Anymore” straight into existence. Montgomery belts out his lyrical frustration with diffidence as electric guitar chord progressions pound the message home. Aside from the blunt, hammerhead shark approach to rock and roll, there are subtle shifts in the slapping guitar chords, growling phrase, and a two fisted rhythm section. It’s an aggressive song but it has plenty of moving parts to keep it interesting.

“Somebody’s Baby Mama” benefits from a jumpy groove, sudden stop and start punctuation in the guitar, and a rush of drum fills. Its hard driving groove gives the electric guitar a rocky trail to ride with plenty of bumpy action and a throw caution to the wind tempo. Let’s see if they can all play this one in sync when they’re in concert.

Gritty bits of guitar lead us into “Gypsy Girl,” a down tempo singer-songwriter affair with an edge. Montgomery makes the most of his wide handsome vocal sweep, sending it out like a lasso over the main action from the guitars. When he belts out his lyrics, Montgomery’s heart and soul can be felt in his palpable expression.

“Easy To Forget You When I’m Gone” makes for a restful, easy going number amid all of the tension laden Montgomery pieces on this album. This slow burner finds Montgomery at his most soulful, his voice having lots of space among down tempo, unobtrusive groove and guitar phrasing. It reminds of “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd in its wide, expressive, and graceful motions.

Montgomery & The Winterkill Band are back to their old tricks in “The Girl With The Gage’s In Her Ear.” This is one of those KMTWB numbers that features them playing so many moving parts that you, again, have to wonder if they can match it when they play live. The authoritative groove hits hard as Montgomery sprawls his forceful lyrics and chorus through the landscape and the guitars jump around and hit home with hearty smacks.

A blistering lyrical attack on a local music scene short changer, “Annie, Pay Your Band” becomes a universal theme about people who take advantage when they don’t have to pay up front. Ahem. This one never pay at all. Montgomery, when he sustains the lyric “Annie, pay your bbbbbbaaaaaannnndddddd,” he sings with an undeniable anger. The song, though focusing on an unscrupulous person, has a “Maxwell Silver Hammer” type humor in its repetition. Montgomery has been around a long time and he knows the type that’s been kicked out of the crossroads, and he seems to have come across a real devil’s spawn.

A strong 1970s flavor, “A Little Lower” draws in the listener with a nostalgic wave for that decade’s songwriting. The chorus could remind of anything from Hall & Oates to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Eric Clapton to The Chi-Lites. It’s catchy as hell and feels reassuringly familiar as it remains wholly new and original. Its tastefully brittle guitar line is another draw, a serious tenderness that politely walks us right up to that million dollar chorus.

Closing track “Lost In Memphis” showcases Montgomery belting out with a bluesy fierceness. Supporting his pipes are a lattice work of aggressive groove that can knock down doors, mounds of jumpy guitar, and a considerate pace. Montgomery’s vocal heft and his battle hardened band make the listener feel the muscle in all of the moving parts here.

Montgomery and his Winterkill Band maintain on this Lower Count Outlaw album their own standards of excellence that we’ve all been seeing on his previous three albums, all released within the last few years. Lower County Outlaw, produced by Andrew Koss at The Studios At Strawberry Fields, increases somewhat the already established creativity that this outfit brings into the recording studio. They try some different kinds of dissonance, contrasts, and subtle guitar playing styles with good results. Their 12 tracks are all winsome and “A Little Lower” could get them even more air play as time goes on and more and more people find out about this band that fuses the soul of two different genres, driving outlaw country and excitingly raw rock and roll. - Bill Copeland Music News


"Review of lower county outlaw"

It’s the 4th album in 3 years for this “lower county outlaw.” No one could ever accuse singer-songwriter Kristian Montgomery of slacking off on the job. The Vermont-based musician is certainly one of the hardest working cats in show business. He’s grown up all around the country — Florida, New Orleans and Boston, to be exact. In fact, he originally made a splash on the Boston scene and garnered considerable attention with previous recorded efforts. But since his re-location to the mountains and adoption of farm life, he has more keenly refined and sharpened his musical approach.

Montgomery’s latest and greatest features some of his best and most compelling songs to date. And he’s joined by celebrated producer-engineer/drummer Andrew Koss (Alicia Keys, John Legend), guitarist John Clark, and bassists Dave Leitch and Mark Harding. These are “genre bending songs that are lived in,” according to Montgomery on his website. And there is no doubt that the detail and honesty of his songs and stories come through.

This Americana-flavored and Cajun-spiced and rootsy thrill ride begins with “Submit to My Transmission.” There are some hellacious guitars featured here that are balanced by cool, subtle ambience and a reflective, testimonial tone.

“Around and Around” spotlights great rocking hooks and dovetails the groove with an earthy vocal. There is an interesting modulation technique in the melody that is subliminal and infectious.

“The Long Gone Blues” states “When you got nothin’ you got nothin’ to lose” and “Now that she’s got everything I guess she wants me too.” There is a tinge of cynicism wrapped in a jaunty country feel.

A screaming guitar defines the tuneful and dynamic “The 4th of July.” And that leads into the truth seeking “I Don’t Know What’s Real Anymore.” Montgomery simply asks, “Are you real?” over an ample wall of guitars and rhythm. This is a pleasing blend of stinging leads, an interesting bridge and rich harmonies.

“Somebody’s Baby Mama” recalls Joker-era Steve Miller, with the line “I bet you’re sweet, but you’re somebody’s baby mama now.” It’s got an infectious upbeat groove and an early Allman Brothers sensibility as well.

“Gypsy Girl” is a catchy souped-up femme fatale cautionary tale which is followed by the somewhat melancholy “Easy to Forget You When I’m Gone.” It’s a first person account of a relationship that is consistent with Montgomery’s no nonsense lyrical style.

The oddly titled “The Girl With Gages in Her Eyes” has a rocking, vibrant kick, with a retro alternative vibe that, to this reviewer, recalls Robert Palmer or Dire Straits.

“Annie Pay Your Band” is a pleasant country blues number and paves the way for the cool and somewhat funky “A Little Lower.” The indelible chorus and lilting bluesy guitars will get you going.

And the finale sounds like a real audience favorite, with “Lost in Memphis.” This is a rootsy rocker built on a sturdy and memorable groove. Smooth wah-wah guitar and wailing vocals wrap this release on a high note.

Kristian Montgomery’s Cajun-laced, blue collar sound is unique and familiar at the same time. He has a singular vision that is pop-oriented and relatable, yet cerebral, auto-biographical and edgy.

Looking Ahead

You can catch some Kristian Montgomery & the Winterkill Band performances, as the band is out gigging, including this upcoming Saturday, October 28th show at Nashville of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, NY. Follow the band’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for future show announcements.

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Discography

The Gravel church
Prince of poverty
A Heaven for heretics
Lower county outlaw

Photos

Bio

If this is the age of the outsider, Kristian Montgomery might be starting to fit in... but don't tell him that. Montgomery grew up poor, prefers to catch his own meals on the waters off Cape Cod and has always felt his music defies genre. A lack of belonging colors his worldview, and he wouldn't have it any other way. The battle between searching for common ground and accepting his otherness informs much of his songwriting. On his second pandemic release, Prince of Poverty (out 3/5), Montgomery and his winterkill band pursue an edgier sound than on last year's The Gravel Church, which was largely penned while he served out a prison sentence. From the Replacements-reminiscent barroom swagger of "Don't Call Me Baby" to the clanging anthem, "They'll Remember My Name," and the jangly hooks through "That Kind of Love," the band oozes no nonsense, authentic blue-collar spirit that's keenly balanced with clever songwriting. The brooding defiance in "Soul for Soul" puts the focus on Montgomery's grunge-crooner vocals, while the banjo-propelled gallop of both "Working Hands" and "American Fire" show off the band's rootsy foundation. Uninspired by the recent turns in the world of mainstream country, Montgomery and Co. take their Americana into a space that's simultaneously restless, rugged, and ragged, while still plenty infectious. It's an impressive tightrope act. Now his 4th album in 3 years "Lower County Outlaw " is complete. 2024 has a lot in store for Kristian and company. They've begun work on "Prophets of the apocalypse". This new work is going to expand on the genre bending song writing that you've become accustomed to from Kristian. New sounds and feels are about to reach your ears.

Band Members