WIM Colossus

I cannot for the life of me remember how I stumbled across WIM. Perhaps they came to me in a dream, or perhaps through a subliminal message, or perhaps just on YouTube. Whatever the case, this is one band that I won't forget about in a hurry. 

Formed in 2008, WIM display a deep love for musical reference points both old, new, and in-between. Their lingering style is reminiscent of a variety of musical luminaries, from the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, to more recent pioneers such as Grizzly Bear and Local Natives. Having spent extensive time abroad independently, each of the members (Martin Solomon, Saul Wodak, Simon Jankelson, Dustin Bookatz, Harry Thynne) clearly have a big hand in shaping WIM's overall sound. They are very difficult to pinpoint in a specific genre, calling themselves "glam folk."

WIM's self-titled EP was released in 2009, an attractive mix of pop and folk gorgeousness which starts slowly with the melancholy "John" and ends with a much bubblier swing ode, "Something for You."  The three tracks in between are beautifully dissimilar. I am particularly fond of "Diamond," with Martin Solomon's vocals (reminiscent of Jeff Buckley) smoldering over the top of watery bass, smooth percussion, and haunting back-up vocals.

Recently signed to the Modular label - whose stable also includes Klaxons, Cut Copy, Chromeo, and Tame Impala - WIM are currently gearing up for the release of their debut full-length album later this year. They have recently released their heroic track "Colossus" to the world (downloaded it for free here)!

Their press page states "the boat is leaving for the isle of WIM, but there's always room for one more," so make sure that person is you, as it will be unquestionably worth the journey.