the innocence mission (from the album Midwinter Swimmers

the innocence mission (from the album Midwinter Swimmers

the innocence mission (from the album Midwinter Swimmers on Bella Union) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
the innocence mission — the nom de plume for Karen and Don Petit — have always made music underpinned by tender trappings and an ethereal ambience. The couple’s new album, Midwinter Swimmers, offers series of songs best suited for the morning after rather than the revelry of a festive night before. Nevertheless, the sheer beauty of the proceedings offers a unique luster that’s quietly comforting and consistently affecting as well. 

The exquisite lyricism of the title track offers one of many ideal examples, an evocative paean conveyed through its mediative musings:
 
‘The midwinter swimmers are like stars
or like some dots of light, through tears
From here, don’t know why.
Beautiful, sad at the same time…’
 
Every track shares a similar perspective, with Karen’s angelic vocals and multi-textured keyboards, mellotron and guitars combined with husband Don’s vibrant acoustic and electric guitars and occasional percussion. The result is a series of rich aural soundscapes that sparkle and shine within a vibrant sonic tapestry. The delicate designs typified by “This Thread Is a Green Street”, “John Williams”, “Your Saturday Picture”, “Sisters and Brothers”, and “Cloud to Cloud” offer further examples of the duo’s delicate designs, each shared with a decidedly fragile finesse.
 
Granted, these are sounds best suited to moments of uninterrupted repose, when the cares of the day are set aside so as not to allow any distraction to intrude. The beauty enveloped in the shimmer of these delicate designs makes Midwinter Swimmers a decidedly precious proposition, and one that requires patience to fully appreciate its tender trappings. Nevertheless, the craft and care invested in each atmospheric offering makes it well worth it. The beauty of it all is quite bountiful throughout. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of the innocence mission from AMAZON
For more information, please visit the innocence mission website