Sounds For A Cold Winters Eve

– Written by Garrett Raakman –

At the time of writing, Toronto has been experiencing record snow storms with up to 15 centimeters of snow accumulating in some parts of the city. Many of you reading this are probably snowed in, or at least are dealing with the impact of this recent weather. While you are cooped inside of your house, allow me to suggest something to lose yourself in: music. 

As the winter comes to a head and Toronto begins to break out its shovels, one cannot be blamed for seeking out some musical comfort food. Like a nice bowl of chili in front of the fire, I have found that turning my headphones on and listening to some nice comfort music is a good way to warm up.

Certain sounds can provide one with a sense of comfort, or transport the listener to another world entirely. A warm voice strumming over a guitar, the comforting sound of a slowly played violin, the soft tapping of sticks over the head of a drum. Sounds like this, and more, are what many seek out in particularly harsh winters such as this. In this piece, I’ll recommend three excellent albums that I have been cranking up as the temperature cranks down.   

My first recommendation is Horsegirl’s recent release Phonetics On and On. Phonetics On and On is the Chicago-based indie rock bands second and most recent release. It is also the perfect album for a cold snowy day. The warm minimalistic guitar riffs seen in songs like 2468 and Frontrunner are peaceful, serene, and tranquil. 2468 in particular emphasizes this tranquil minimalism, with warm violin and guitar licks accompanying deadpan yet enthusiastic vocals. It’s a rustic sound that’s almost evocative of a camping trip in the woods, sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows. For me, it’s quite a comforting listening experience as the snow falls outside.

On the flip-side, if you prefer not to lose yourself in warmth and wish to embrace the cold, Björk’s 2001 classic Vespertine is the sound for you. The album is one of my quintessential winter soundtracks, taking me on a journey through the snowfall everytime I turn it on. The album utilizes wintery sounds—such as the chimes present in songs like the instrumental track Frosti, and Aurora—and lyrics about glaciers and other facets of winter that transport the listener to a winter wonderland. I find that Aurora, a song which literally samples footsteps walking in the snow, in particular pulls me into the winter spirit. While it is an older album, it is one of my go to’s as soon as the snow starts hitting the ground. 

My final recommendation is a more tranquil album. Midwinter Swimmers by The Innocence Mission was released in November of last year and, if you like some peaceful folk music on a cold winter afternoon, this is the album for you. Even the lyrics evoke cold spring mornings, with songs like the title track Midwinter Swimmers describing “snowdrops and mongolias”. Like Phonetics On and On, Midwinter Swimmers utilizes soft vocals and guitar chords that transport the listener to a place of comfort and relaxation. If you want a winter album, but don’t want the ethereal vibes of Vespertine, Midwinter Swimmers is a great listen.
Overall, if you want three albums to listen to as the winter ends and spring begins, I’d recommend these. From the wintery vibes of Vespertine to the folksy twang of Midwinter Swimmers, these albums are sure to satisfy on a cold night while you sip your hot chocolate.