Wintermitts

May 2012
by Tiana Feng

I love French music and I was so excited when I found Wintermitts. They’re sparkling electro-pop is so bright and cheery. They have both English and French songs as demonstrated by their recent album Oceans, available on Bandcamp. The album was produced by Kees Dekker who’s worked with Plants and Animals and Rah Rah so you will hear some familiar sounding influences. Here’s the first track Le Paradis. - Ride the Tempo

April 2012
by Daniel Robichaud

[excerpt]

The six-piece Wintermitts broke the ice with an ambitious set full of acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, bass, drums, xylophone, trombone, accordion… I think that’s all. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the group swapped instruments back and forth with ease throughout the night (cue Benny Hill theme) as if they were playing musical instruments… instead of musical chairs… get it?… Sigh… That was much cleverer in my head… moving on. While the combination of six simultaneous instruments and several voices did sound a bit mishmash-y at times, the moments when the group hit their stride were remarkable.

The opening “Le Paradis” eased the Electric Owl crowd into a jammy set which included “Ring of Fire” trombone flourishes (“Sharks”) and words of sweet innocence (“I want to dance with you tonight / I want to hold your hand in the moonlight” in “Springtime”). The distinguishing feature with Wintermitts is their bilingual (French and English) approach, not only in terms of lyrics, but sound as well; there’s something about the accordion that never fails to “French” things up. The set highlight was certainly “Careful” (one of the French tunes, go figure), which the group recently performed and recorded with the University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra for the Vancouver Symphonique event (December 10, 2011). En gros, j’ai bien aimé leur musique, et j’ai très hate de les revoir. À la prochaine, Mitaines d’Hiver. - Vancouver Weekly

April 2012
by Daniel Robichaud

[excerpt]

The six-piece Wintermitts broke the ice with an ambitious set full of acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, bass, drums, xylophone, trombone, accordion… I think that’s all. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the group swapped instruments back and forth with ease throughout the night (cue Benny Hill theme) as if they were playing musical instruments… instead of musical chairs… get it?… Sigh… That was much cleverer in my head… moving on. While the combination of six simultaneous instruments and several voices did sound a bit mishmash-y at times, the moments when the group hit their stride were remarkable.

The opening “Le Paradis” eased the Electric Owl crowd into a jammy set which included “Ring of Fire” trombone flourishes (“Sharks”) and words of sweet innocence (“I want to dance with you tonight / I want to hold your hand in the moonlight” in “Springtime”). The distinguishing feature with Wintermitts is their bilingual (French and English) approach, not only in terms of lyrics, but sound as well; there’s something about the accordion that never fails to “French” things up. The set highlight was certainly “Careful” (one of the French tunes, go figure), which the group recently performed and recorded with the University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra for the Vancouver Symphonique event (December 10, 2011). En gros, j’ai bien aimé leur musique, et j’ai très hate de les revoir. À la prochaine, Mitaines d’Hiver. - Vancouver Weekly

The accordion is the sort of instrument relegated to French soundtracks or the older generation, so it’s refreshing to hear it used in more modern offerings, such as Wintermitts’ Heirloom.

Part of the burgeoning Vancouver scene, Wintermitts set themselves apart with a combination of ingredients rarely found in one place: the above-mentioned accordion, flute, melodica, trumpet, and glockenspiel. Add to that the haunting bilingual vocals of Lise Monique Oakley, and you have some very interesting listening.

Formed in 2005, the Vancouver-based Wintermitts share duties on much of the instrumentation, which makes for variety throughout. Their work on Cascadia Fault (2007) was such that it attracted the attention of local producers Shawn Cole (You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bend Sinister) and Futcher (The Be Good Tanyas, Girl Nobody). It’s apparent that the group has benefitted greatly from the input from both – the song structures and arrangements are considered and impeccably radio-friendly.

But what really makes Wintermitts stand out? French lyrics on the West Coast, where the population of bilingual residents is a slim 0.18%. Oakley sings with increased fervour and feeling when her lyrics are en français.

The call and answer of “En Avion” (“le clé dans la porte”) is fragile yet strong, and comes off like a gentler Arcade Fire. In the catchy, high-hat-driven “DANS”, Oakley’s vocals are at their most energetic: “You put me under / you stole my thunder”. Timing issues aside, this song has the most memorable chorus on the record, thanks to gang vocals, hand claps and Oakley’s breathless ah-ah-ah-ahs. The slow start of “Accord Mineur” boasts an evocative accordion-trumpet duet and an intricate and well-produced arrangement that conjures up smoke-filled cafés and late-night walks along the Seine.

“Schoolyard” showcases Trevor Dunnett’s trumpet skills (and proves that Rob Calder is not the only trumpet player in town). Unfortunately, the sleepy, vague lyrics weren’t enough to bring a real story across. Disappointment followed in the floundering “Crossing Bridges”, where the backing vocals could have used more power and conviction. Luckily the trumpet and accordion shine like diamonds in waltz-like “Coniferous” – there was little else to redeem it. “Outro”, the most cinematic of the eight tracks, features the accordion in its best light – a beautiful instrumental minus Swann McMillan’s occasionally awkward drumming.

“Mer de l’Atlantique” is a sea-worthy, inspired bit of songwriting reminiscent of The Decemberists. Oakley’s themes of travel and leaving behind the past, the tension between French and English, the undulating glockenspiel and guitar, relaxed percussion, and the introduction of strings make this one of the most impressive pieces in Wintermitts’ repertoire.

Complete with eco-friendly packaging including a seed packet for tomatoes, Heirloom is a creative and capable display of Wintermitts’ considerable talents. And I’ll bet they’re a fun time live, too. - Awmuisc.ca

The accordion is the sort of instrument relegated to French soundtracks or the older generation, so it’s refreshing to hear it used in more modern offerings, such as Wintermitts’ Heirloom.

Part of the burgeoning Vancouver scene, Wintermitts set themselves apart with a combination of ingredients rarely found in one place: the above-mentioned accordion, flute, melodica, trumpet, and glockenspiel. Add to that the haunting bilingual vocals of Lise Monique Oakley, and you have some very interesting listening.

Formed in 2005, the Vancouver-based Wintermitts share duties on much of the instrumentation, which makes for variety throughout. Their work on Cascadia Fault (2007) was such that it attracted the attention of local producers Shawn Cole (You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bend Sinister) and Futcher (The Be Good Tanyas, Girl Nobody). It’s apparent that the group has benefitted greatly from the input from both – the song structures and arrangements are considered and impeccably radio-friendly.

But what really makes Wintermitts stand out? French lyrics on the West Coast, where the population of bilingual residents is a slim 0.18%. Oakley sings with increased fervour and feeling when her lyrics are en français.

The call and answer of “En Avion” (“le clé dans la porte”) is fragile yet strong, and comes off like a gentler Arcade Fire. In the catchy, high-hat-driven “DANS”, Oakley’s vocals are at their most energetic: “You put me under / you stole my thunder”. Timing issues aside, this song has the most memorable chorus on the record, thanks to gang vocals, hand claps and Oakley’s breathless ah-ah-ah-ahs. The slow start of “Accord Mineur” boasts an evocative accordion-trumpet duet and an intricate and well-produced arrangement that conjures up smoke-filled cafés and late-night walks along the Seine.

“Schoolyard” showcases Trevor Dunnett’s trumpet skills (and proves that Rob Calder is not the only trumpet player in town). Unfortunately, the sleepy, vague lyrics weren’t enough to bring a real story across. Disappointment followed in the floundering “Crossing Bridges”, where the backing vocals could have used more power and conviction. Luckily the trumpet and accordion shine like diamonds in waltz-like “Coniferous” – there was little else to redeem it. “Outro”, the most cinematic of the eight tracks, features the accordion in its best light – a beautiful instrumental minus Swann McMillan’s occasionally awkward drumming.

“Mer de l’Atlantique” is a sea-worthy, inspired bit of songwriting reminiscent of The Decemberists. Oakley’s themes of travel and leaving behind the past, the tension between French and English, the undulating glockenspiel and guitar, relaxed percussion, and the introduction of strings make this one of the most impressive pieces in Wintermitts’ repertoire.

Complete with eco-friendly packaging including a seed packet for tomatoes, Heirloom is a creative and capable display of Wintermitts’ considerable talents. And I’ll bet they’re a fun time live, too. - Awmuisc.ca

Wintermitts are a bilingual quintet from Vancouver BC who use a diverse set of instruments along with both English and French lyrics to craft some really delightful pop music. The band has been together since 2005 and they really have produced a familiar yet original sound. Familiar in the sense that this is a bright, warm, indie album. Original in their approach to making their music. They use a wide assortment of instruments such as an accordion and glockenspiel. There are moments where they reminded me of Arcade Fire or Los Campesinos. The band can bring both upbeat, charming, guitar happy pop tracks along with more intimate instrumentals. The fact that they are bilingual is a part of what makes them so special. Although you may not know what they are saying, the music fits so well with the unfamiliar lyrics that you actually enjoy not knowing what they are saying. It adds a sense of mystery that the music helps you clear up in your mind.

The songs are not reinvented rock and roll but rather making an irresistible indie album that they seemed to pull of with ease. Songs like “Mer De l’Atlantique” are enchanting. “Dans” is a true pop gem that stood out to me instantly with hand claps, anxious shouts, and a beat that you could nod along to. Wintermitts have delighted me with the refreshing “Heirloom” and you should invest some time. It will make your day that much better. - We All Want Someone to Shout For

Wintermitts are a bilingual quintet from Vancouver BC who use a diverse set of instruments along with both English and French lyrics to craft some really delightful pop music. The band has been together since 2005 and they really have produced a familiar yet original sound. Familiar in the sense that this is a bright, warm, indie album. Original in their approach to making their music. They use a wide assortment of instruments such as an accordion and glockenspiel. There are moments where they reminded me of Arcade Fire or Los Campesinos. The band can bring both upbeat, charming, guitar happy pop tracks along with more intimate instrumentals. The fact that they are bilingual is a part of what makes them so special. Although you may not know what they are saying, the music fits so well with the unfamiliar lyrics that you actually enjoy not knowing what they are saying. It adds a sense of mystery that the music helps you clear up in your mind.

The songs are not reinvented rock and roll but rather making an irresistible indie album that they seemed to pull of with ease. Songs like “Mer De l’Atlantique” are enchanting. “Dans” is a true pop gem that stood out to me instantly with hand claps, anxious shouts, and a beat that you could nod along to. Wintermitts have delighted me with the refreshing “Heirloom” and you should invest some time. It will make your day that much better. - We All Want Someone to Shout For

November 21, 2012
by Chris Morin

West coast band loves the prairies so much that they wrote us a song

Wintermitts, a Vancouver-based orchestral folk/pop quintet, has released their single “Saskatoon at Midnight” via the interweb.

The song was written all the way back in 2008 and wasn’t recorded until 2012, according to Wintermitts’ Lise Monique Oakley. Featuring quirky instrumentation paired with lilting female vocals, it’s a bit of a wistful stroll that turns into an optimistic jog – an almost-typical emotional response to being in the prairies.

“The song was inspired by a lightning and thunder storm we had to drive through on our way back to the west coast,” explains Monique Oakley.

“We were driving along and had to stop the van as the rain had turned into pellets and the lightning was worth watching. This kind of weather and highway driving lead to reflection and internal satisfaction. It was a parallel to the love I was experiencing as I was dating a band member from the band we were touring with at the time and sadly the weather reflected the nature of the relationship.

“Saskatoon is one of our favourite stops on the long Canadian stretch and therefore the band wanted to keep this little nugget for a single release.”
- Ominocity

November 21, 2012
by Chris Morin

West coast band loves the prairies so much that they wrote us a song

Wintermitts, a Vancouver-based orchestral folk/pop quintet, has released their single “Saskatoon at Midnight” via the interweb.

The song was written all the way back in 2008 and wasn’t recorded until 2012, according to Wintermitts’ Lise Monique Oakley. Featuring quirky instrumentation paired with lilting female vocals, it’s a bit of a wistful stroll that turns into an optimistic jog – an almost-typical emotional response to being in the prairies.

“The song was inspired by a lightning and thunder storm we had to drive through on our way back to the west coast,” explains Monique Oakley.

“We were driving along and had to stop the van as the rain had turned into pellets and the lightning was worth watching. This kind of weather and highway driving lead to reflection and internal satisfaction. It was a parallel to the love I was experiencing as I was dating a band member from the band we were touring with at the time and sadly the weather reflected the nature of the relationship.

“Saskatoon is one of our favourite stops on the long Canadian stretch and therefore the band wanted to keep this little nugget for a single release.”
- Ominocity

May 7, 2012
reviewed by Michael Thomas

If there’s any band that is showing how well the English and French languages work together it is undoubtedly Wintermitts. There have been numerous bands who have done a one-off French song here and there (or even just a French lyric thrown in) but this Vancouver sextet makes switching between English and French seem as natural as breathing.

And the band never goes halfway on a song- the songs in English seem no less sincere than the songs in French. In fact, I found myself attracted even more to the French songs.

Musically, you might compare Wintermitts to Arcade Fire, but without the blatant socio-political commentary. Wintermitts will drive themselves into your head with a strong horn section, the odd accordion and some fantastic voices.

Currently, they’ve made singles of the first two songs on the album, “Le Paradis” and “Sharks.” The former (French for “paradise,” and sometimes “heaven”) is one of the most beautiful songs on the album. There’s a great variety of instruments here (as with most songs), particularly the horns and the xylophone. A little slice of paradise, I might add. The latter also sports a great horn section. If anything, it’s the happiest-sounding song about sharks approaching ever.

“Springtime” is a tune with an undeniable atmosphere to it. The lines about wanting to fall asleep by one’s side is adorable, and it’s generally filled with the idea of spring- rejuvenation and general happiness that the cold is over.

“Birds” has more of a rock feel to it, and opens with some poetic questions: “How do the birds know how to move on?/And how do swallows always find a way home?” The follower “I Saw a Ghost” is what I can tell the only song that mixes French and English. In fact, the transition is so seamless I didn’t realize the language had switched at all. It’s a pretty great song to “rock out” to. There are a million instruments playing at once, like a manic hoedown.

“Careful” is one song that goes full-out with the accordion. It starts off with an exotic “desert” type sound- maracas, that oh-so-recognizable pattern of Spanish guitar. The next song, “Basquiat” (possibly a reference to the New York City Neo-expressionist painter) is perhaps the only song I’ve ever heard that makes an accordion sound sinister. What follows is one the most adventurous songs on the album- just when you think it’s over you’ll realize it’s only halfway done.

The album ends with “A La Fraiche,” a refreshingly simple track featuring just vocals and acoustic guitar. It’s almost like being sung a nursery rhyme after a great day.

Even listening to this album once should be more than enough proof that Wintermitts are the real deal. Their intense-yet-playful style is irresistible.

Oceans can be purchased via Bandcamp and you can check out their website for info on tour dates and other such matters. - Grayowl Point

“Nothing says greatness more than a great band of talented musicians that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and Wintermitts definitely have that figured out.”


- 24 Hour

Canada has given us a lot of our favourite bands over the years: Sara and Tegan, City and Colour, Wolf Parade, and Wintersleep. And this year we have a new one to obsess over. They're called Wintermitts and they will without a doubt be your new favourite band by the time you finish listening to their new eight-song record, "Heirloom". They not only feature some of the best accordion solos I've ever heard, but also a singer that beautifully blends English and French lyrics with ease. And on top of all that, they have glockenspiels!

For being only 25 minutes long, "Heirloom" is extremely solid and perfectly showcases Wintermitts' immense talent. It starts off with "En Avion", a track that makes me wish more than anything that I would have switched my foreign language class from German to French in high school so I would be able to understand what they were singing about with such intensity. The second track, "DANS" is the album's defining cut that boasts an upbeat melody, lyrics about falling in love, and a chorus that is nearly impossible to get out of your head. The bass-heavy "Schoolyard" is another standout that opens with my favourite line on the record: "Hey, are you okay?/You wore the same sweater yesterday." "Crossing Bridges" is my personal favourite and as of today, I'm adopting it as our blog's official theme song. The closing track, "Mer de l'Atlantique", is the fullest out of the eight songs and with it's travel theme and beautiful accordion, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to The Decemberists....but is that really a bad thing? I certainly don't think so.

Overall, "Heirloom" is a great record with it's only major flaw being that it didn't last a bit longer. Thankfully though, it lasts long enough to grab your attention and show that the reason Wintermitts are such a great band isn't because they have a kick ass accordion player or because they have two extremely talented singers (although those things definitely help)- the real reason they're such a great band is because at the end of the day, you can tell they don't take themselves too seriously. Take this from a confessed music junkie, that's an extremely hard thing to find these days. - Arms Around the Stereo

Canada has given us a lot of our favourite bands over the years: Sara and Tegan, City and Colour, Wolf Parade, and Wintersleep. And this year we have a new one to obsess over. They're called Wintermitts and they will without a doubt be your new favourite band by the time you finish listening to their new eight-song record, "Heirloom". They not only feature some of the best accordion solos I've ever heard, but also a singer that beautifully blends English and French lyrics with ease. And on top of all that, they have glockenspiels!

For being only 25 minutes long, "Heirloom" is extremely solid and perfectly showcases Wintermitts' immense talent. It starts off with "En Avion", a track that makes me wish more than anything that I would have switched my foreign language class from German to French in high school so I would be able to understand what they were singing about with such intensity. The second track, "DANS" is the album's defining cut that boasts an upbeat melody, lyrics about falling in love, and a chorus that is nearly impossible to get out of your head. The bass-heavy "Schoolyard" is another standout that opens with my favourite line on the record: "Hey, are you okay?/You wore the same sweater yesterday." "Crossing Bridges" is my personal favourite and as of today, I'm adopting it as our blog's official theme song. The closing track, "Mer de l'Atlantique", is the fullest out of the eight songs and with it's travel theme and beautiful accordion, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to The Decemberists....but is that really a bad thing? I certainly don't think so.

Overall, "Heirloom" is a great record with it's only major flaw being that it didn't last a bit longer. Thankfully though, it lasts long enough to grab your attention and show that the reason Wintermitts are such a great band isn't because they have a kick ass accordion player or because they have two extremely talented singers (although those things definitely help)- the real reason they're such a great band is because at the end of the day, you can tell they don't take themselves too seriously. Take this from a confessed music junkie, that's an extremely hard thing to find these days. - Arms Around the Stereo

Very nice indeed. Just a lil' duo (no drums?!),guided by Monique's guitar and soothing, husky ponderous croon. The clincher for me, though - having seen them live (with drums) - is David Manzl on acoustic bass, accordion, harmonica, and glockenspiel. That xylophone-in-a-box in particular really warms the cockles. "Que Toi", a dark polka circus waltz, is heavy on the accordion and sung in french. As a rule. I think it's am awful idea to sing in French. Even when it's your native language. But Wintermitts squeak by - not just because their CD comes wrapped in a gorgeous screen printed felt tea cozy; I suppose dreams can speak any language. FRANCAIS INCLUS. "Late Night Riot" - the gentlest riot in history - manages a dab of hot'n'snarky 'tude, but mostly Alouette is a big sleepy electrode-free acoustic burn out...full of druggy, druggy xylophone. Soooo...druggy.Aaaahhh..um aha...eeeeee. I like.
- Dave Bertrand

*Lise Monique & The Wintermitts - Alouette EP (Indie)

It's always good to see a new band make the local scene, and Lise Monique & The Wintermitts are a band that I'm looking forward to enjoying for years to come. I guess, in their hearts, they are a pop band... just like, in it's heart, a doughnut is bread... they've just got too much going on to come across as "normal". Where to start... where to start... okay, to begin with, the Wintermitts take their name from a Julie Doiron song so there's definitely that kind of deal going on. There's a lot of cool instrumentation happening all over the album, accordion n' glockenspiel and so forth... so they got that goin' for them too. Also, Lise Monique sings in both French and English... just like a real Canadian. Did I mention that she's a real killer songwriter as well? Well, she is. Finally, the real icing on the doughnut... Alouette comes in a hand crafted, custom stitched, one of a kind, wacky fabric sleeve. C'est ca - Red Cat Records

There are some band's you always remember for a certain reason, whether it's for the music or just the situation. For me, the Wintermitts falls into that category. When I first moved to Vancouver, I was staying on Shawn Lapaix's couch until I found a place. I won't lie, living in an apartment with no furniture, TV, phone or food is a pretty boring experience.

Being the kind hearted guy he is, he gave me some music to listen to through the factory speakers on my iBook. One of those records was the Wintermitts Alouette EP and it's one I still listen to today. And since I'll be back in Vancouver for a week, it's perfect timing that Lise Monique sent over a sneak preview of the new record.

It's hard to describe the 'Mitts in words that make sense musically. They are bilingual, quirky, folky, get terrific use of an accordion, constantly change their sound and for some reason, even though it seems like an unintentional slight, I think it's important to mention that I don't think they take themselves too seriously. Their music is fun and they have fun playing it.

They play emotional, lo-fi nuggets (which isn't surprising since they are named after a Julie Doiron tune) and even though Schoolyard retains the gritty DIY style I'm used to, for some reason, it just seems bigger - everything about Heirlooms does. Xylophones, a fuzzy bass line and the accordion dance and ooze around Monique's vocals. I remember when I saw the Mitts open for Julie Doiron and the Superfantastics they had the Church crowd crowd dancing (as usual) and I think Heirloom is the record that transfers those fun loving live sets to the studio. It's the little things, like the well placed triangle (that adds so much to a live show) that comes through so clearly that make these recordings so nice.

Crossing Bridges showcases some flute and heavy guitar, and the band makes the 2:39 feel like twenty seconds. The song barely ends before you feel the urge to hit repeat. It also makes me think the Mitts would be a perfect collaboration contender for a rapper on the CBC Fuse series. Mer de L'Atlantique starts of with some cymbal washes, more xylophone and beautiful slow bowed strings. The accordion thickens up the mix, but the track is still intimate. But over the 4-minutes, they heighten the intensity and the track smolders.

But so far, the star of the show is DANS. Quite simply put, the song explodes out of your headphones. The electric, drums and melodica craft a bouncy riff and the sing shout chorus makes it impossible to ignore the catchiness of the song. Plus, Lise lists her favorite beer as Granville Island Winter Ale, which could be the nectar of the gods. All in all, this has got me excited to pound my feet on some familiar concrete next week. - Quick Hitters