KRISTIAN MONTGOMERY & THE WINTER KILL BAND

Born in Florida to a Danish immigrant and a blue blooded American girl, Kristian Montgomery began singing in the church choir where his voice was quickly picked up.  Outside of church Kristian sang shanties, Celtic and Scandinavian songs at local bars and told stories of the fisherman coming home from sea.  Overtime he progressed as a songwriter and ultimately developed a following.  Joining several rock bands through the years where he won awards for his voice and whilst he was a member of a metal band he was nominated for the Boston Music Awards for best male vocalist.  Kristian however thought that this genre was a good fit for him so he decided to travel.  He has since released 2 albums 'The Gravel Church' in 2020 and his latest release 'Prince of Poverty'

'They'll Remember My Name' kicks off the album and the bluesy rock oozes from the rhythm, the drum beat thunders right through and grabs your attention instantly.  The gravely guitars injecting that rock flare and the vigorous riffs wraps itself around the groove bringing a powerful sound that just engulfs all your senses.  The laid back beat lays the foundation for Kristians gritty vocal tone, the emotion that pours out from his voice and lyrics will get stuck inside your head as he sings "They'll Remember My Name" you'll find yourself singing it well after finishing listening.  The instrumentation becomes more intense the acoustic guitar adds in that extra flare to the rhythm and we are then treated to a soaring guitar solo at the instrumental break, one that will send shivers down your spine.  'Tired of Being Tired' will find its way in and pull on your heart strings, with an easy going chord progression that brings a warmth from the tone of the acoustic guitar and smooth keys all wrapping around the drums snuggly.  There is a smoothness and a cutting edge in Kristians vocals as he transports the moody feelings right into your head.  This track brings the deep root bluesy, country rock and it will stay with you for a while.  

'Working Hands' increases the tempo and this one brings a huge injection of southern country sounds.  The bopping drum beat and bass line, with the banjo and electric guitar melody holding the energy and pace.  A track that will get you up and get those feet stomping.  'A Warm Grave' tones it down with a yearning atmospheric guitar melody, the electric guitar and violin distantly playing and nestling themselves comfortably, creating that melancholy feeling.  

'Don't Call Me Baby' amps up the rock vibe, bringing an energetic and lively listen from start to finish.  The stomping rhythm and the guitars are loosely tangled around the drum beat to really bring that rugged edge to the song.  It's pace will certainly get you on your feet and Kristian's gritty vocals and catchy lyricism are all the perfect mixture.  'Soul For Soul' takes it back to those sounds we have heard in 'A Warm Grave', with those melancholic warm tones produced by the captivating guitars giving us that energy and soul.  It's a slow song with powerful heartfelt lyrics from Kristian. 

'That Kind of Love' again brings back those bluesy, country rock.  The rustic, gritty undertones all providing the raw and uplifting feeling as you go through the song.  The guitar riffs giving off that familiar rumbling growl that we have heard throughout the album and it just gets right under your skin, whilst accompanying Kristian's passionate gravely tone sings "That kind of love can kill a man".  'I'll Find My Way Home' has that one chord rolling rhythm in the verses, creating that build and atmosphere as it shifts gradually into the progression then back again leading into the rich texture from the guitars in the chorus.  We are then treated to another luscious guitar solo which has become a staple throughout this record.  There is a confidence in this track that shines through and you can not only hear it but you can feel it.

'American Fire' takes the country rock sounds, injects a fiery and lively notation, with the lyrics taking a political route.  The memorable guitar riffs will definitely stay with you and the shuffle like drum beat amplifies that, with the fast pace.  This is one of those tracks that you will find yourself singing, it has that catchiness that will have you coming back and listen to it again.  'Just Driving Around' is one of those songs that you can imagine yourself driving along country roads, with the top down.  A great number to play out the album, it is a warm and inviting track, with lovely delicate guitar melodies and what sounds like some light strings sitting faintly in the background. you'll find yourself smiling.  

This is an album that you feel so at home within, there is an honestly and vulnerability in Kristian's song writing but also a confidence and a swagger.  He takes you along on the journey with him and there is a familiarity you feel yet something new and unique intertwined and they sit side by side as you listen.  Kristian and his band serve up beautiful, gritty and thunderous melodies, rhythms and styles from country, blues and rock.  The production, songwriting and just overall musicality of this album sets this album apart, it has that pull that anyone who listens will come back to over and over, no matter where or when you listen it will always have that.

FACEBOOK - kristianmwkb

INSTAGRAM - winterkill_band