Qulture Magazine

Words & Photos: Clíona McCann

After a full day of travelling, I plodded into the standing area of The Roundhouse with two sore feet and an ear still un-popped from the plane. I managed to squeeze myself into a nook near the front and was immediately struck by the sheer lack of anything onstage- a grand piano and a microphone stood lonely, drowning in the black curtain at the back. Surely the other instruments were hiding just behind?
Winter has always had an underground following as the lead singer of alt-rock outfit Geese but has exploded in popularity following his solo album Heavy Metal and the band’s most recent release Getting Killed. At 23 years old, his lyrics hold a strange wisdom of the past, and his sound looks toward the new alternative of the future.

When the lights went down and the audience was plunged into darkness, the anticipation was palpable. Winter emerged from behind a curtain, clad in an unassuming navy tracksuit. He sat down at the piano, without introduction and began to play. The crowd seemed to hold their breath and disappear into the music. As soon as Winter sang, my various ailments faded into the background. Winter’s voice is unique and instantly recognisable; a weird and wonderful cross between a dulcet-toned crooner and rough-around-the-edges folk singer. Winter’s striking lyrics of God and the devil bounced and echoed around the cavernous ceiling of the Roundhouse. At the piano, he seemed to be engrossed in his own world, pouring his heart into solo rearrangements of hits from Heavy Metal.

Even during his most well-loved songs, you could hear a pin drop. There was a wonderful unspoken respect between artist and audience, which I feel is becoming increasingly rare in recent years. Winter has a specific charm, likable in his humour and endearing in his almost bashful thank yous to the crowd. This gig was beautifully intimate and grounded. It did not need pyrotechnics, a 24-piece band, visualisers on a giant screen, set pieces, backup dancers, or costume changes. Winter commanded the stage with nothing but himself and a piano. The pilgrimage from Edinburgh to London was worth it.

Winter has undoubtedly solidified himself as a modern staple in alternative music genres. I encourage anyone to listen to his solo work, Heavy Metal, or any of his albums as part of Geese.