Winter McQuinn, the creative force behind Sunfruits and the rhythmic heartbeat of Jade Imagine, dives into a realm of psychedelic country and folk in his solo work, crafting sounds that echo Nick Drake’s timeless spirit and modern soft rock’s gentle allure.
His 2021 debut, A Rabble Of Bees, marked his first solo record, revealing an artist committed to soulful songwriting and DIY charm. McQuinn’s next release, Move To The Trees, was steeped in the warmth of 70s soft rock and earned well-deserved recognition from outlets like KEXP and Rolling Stone (and The Third Eye).
Now, long-time friends and collaborators McQuinn and Acacia Pip (of PINCH POINTS and Slush) join forces on a terrific new EP. This latest project, Recently I’ve Been Missing The Colour Green, is a collection of six songs woven over years of collaboration.
The collection radiates their deepening love for the softer nuances of pastoral folk and indie rock, offering listeners a window into emotionally rich and reflective songwriting.
Fans of artists like Courtney Barnett, Cut Worms, and Cool Sounds will find much to admire here, as the EP showcases McQuinn and Pip’s refined knack for witty, contemplative lyricism that dances around themes of existential musings, everyday struggles, and self-reflection.
Recorded mostly on 2” tape in their home studio, the EP exudes an inviting warmth, mirroring the intimacy of its lyrics and the softness of its melodies.
The EP captures the challenges of balancing work, creativity, and life in Naarm/Melbourne, a journey McQuinn and Pip undertook largely through the lens of the pandemic.
Exploring themes of isolation and introspection, they’ve crafted a surprisingly uplifting narrative on savoring life’s simple pleasures, showing kindness to oneself, and embracing imperfections. The gentle sonic landscape reinforces this warmth, resonating with themes of resilience, mindful living, and quiet optimism.
The lead single, “Working On Me,” is a spirited indie folk anthem that embraces the release of conditioned habits, such as over-apologizing and comparing oneself to others, while questioning traditional ideals of success and happiness in a capitalist-driven society.
The chorus line—“I’m just doing what I can,”—rings out as a tender reminder of self-acceptance. Acacia’s vocal performance on the track leans into vulnerability, marking a departure from her punk roots into a softer, more introspective vocal style—a refreshing and deeply rewarding shift.
With this track, she opens a window to a different side of her musical identity, merging personal growth with a refined sensibility for melody.
The new EP beams with quiet resilience and optimism, inviting listeners to linger in its cozy corners, contemplate life’s big questions, and simply savor the beauty in “just doing what you can.” In times like these, McQuinn and Pip’s new music is like a warm blanket on a cold day and precisely what we need right now.
Winter McQuinn: Bandcamp | Instagram | Official Website
Leave a Reply