Pre- and during lockdown compositions see symphonic rock ensemble Winter In Eden release their well-crafted fourth studio album, Social Fake, which is bristling with energy. 

Release date:  available now

Label:  Cherry Red  Records

Format: CD and on Digital Platforms

On Social Fake, lead singer Vicky Johnson explains how: “We poured our blood, sweat and tears into this project and the results make me feel incredibly proud…The sound has evolved but it is still Winter In Eden at its best. ”

The 5 strong line-up of Vicky Johnson, Steve Johnson, Steve Hauxwell, Benji Lynch and Ian Heddle have created an electric and pacy album that begins ominously with a thrilling opening title track of explosive riffs,  pounding beat and emotive vocals. The pedal stays flat on the floor and the volume is still on high but the music is under full control as the quintet sounds like a much larger orchestral unit.

Never Let Go and Out Of Touch keep the pulsating thrills coming with a blend of harmonious instrumental passages and pulverising rock. There are some gentler moments in the 3 part Critical Mass as the band creates a balance between light and dark. The futuristic dialogue of Dear Diary’s opening leads into Vicky Johnson’s vocal romp in The Change, where her singing becomes more anthemic and angrier in the final part, Rage.  Exhilarating new guitarist Benji Lynch shows his muscle and versatility in Down with a variety of crunching riffs.  The adrenaline-charged rhythm section conjures up some volatile syncopations throughout the whole album. The keyboard work is both orchestrally subtle and strong.

The pace does not let up until the penultimate melodic track Smiling Assassin. The finale to this entertaining highly listenable album, Exclusive Invitation, shows why this band is a popular draw on the festival circuit throughout Europe and has deservedly received nominations in the past few years for  Best New Band, Best Live Act, Best Female Singer at the Classic Rock Society Awards. 

Vicky Johnson is fully justified in being proud of this album as even within its complexity, it fights off the prog urge to be self-indulgent and yet shows off the ensemble’s undoubted musical skills.

Winter In Eden online: Website / Facebook / Twitter

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