Winter

Released in late 2012 as a seasonal follow-up to their massive self-titled debut, the Winter EP serves as a stylistic breath of fresh air. While the band became synonymous with the 'stomp-and-clap' indie folk movement, this four-track collection (often appearing in various digital configurations) highlights their ability to handle quietude. The centerpiece is a cover of Talking Heads' 'This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)', which is reimagined as a slow-burning folk ballad. This version strips away the New Wave quirk of the original, replacing it with a vulnerable, Americana-tinged warmth. The production is notably drier and more intimate than their studio LP, emphasizing the woodiness of the instruments and the unpolished texture of Wesley Schultz's vocals. It remains a fan-favorite deep cut that showcases the band's versatility and their roots in the more somber traditions of the singer-songwriter genre.