Sister Wife – Alex Winston Sister Wife – Alex Winston (Free Download / Buy)

There are few words that can properly articulate the sound of Michigan native Alex Winston (@iamalexwinston) and her 2011 mini-album, Sister Wife.  Her music is unlike that of the vast majority of indie musicians currently popping up; it has mass appeal but maintains every ounce of quirky fun-loving soul, earning her the respect of the harshest music tastemakers and Hyundai lovers alike.  Simply put, that’s what makes her music so wonderful.  Winston and her team have successfully created what others consistently fail to achieve: a perfectly balanced album that tiptoes the line between the pop and indie worlds.

Sister Wife is just 22 minutes, but it’s packed so tightly with sleek-sounding instrumentals and diverse vocals that it’s difficult to consider it just an EP.  This release is a statement that appealing to the masses doesn’t have to be a sign of selling out or compromising one’s sound, but an indication of complete understanding of one’s craft.  Lucky for Winston, her craft is one that’s easily digestible and lovable down to the last chord.

This mastery is evident in the diversity of “Fingers and Toes”, a stunning love song that takes listeners on a roller coaster ride through Winston’s emotions.  What begins as a piano-driven ballad, is quickly transformed into a dynamic, Broadway-worthy number that would be right at home in Grease. “Sister Wife”, quite possibly the most mainstream track on the album, possesses everything one could wish for in a straightforward mood lifter.  This opening of heavy drums and effected vocals could be a School of Seven Bells song, but Winston’s polygamist swooning, catchy melodies, and complimentary percussive arrangements make it one of the most memorable songs so far this year.  The lyrics aren’t going to blow anyone away, but the quality of her hooks is undeniable.

My favorite track on the album is the beautiful “Choice Notes”.  You’ll know within the first ten seconds whether or not Alex Winston is for you.  With shimmying vocals, overlaid keys, consistent beats, gorgeous harp, and even an appearance by the illusive didgeridoo, Winston is able to produce one of the happiest songs that has ever reached my ears.  Her youthful vocals and make it seem as though she actually wrote this song many years ago.

Sister Wife is one of the best mini-albums I’ve some across in a very long time.  It not only acts as the perfect introduction to the Brooklyn-based artist, showcasing her pristine harmonies and experimentation with various instruments, but gives us a brief glimpse of what’s to come.  Winston is working on her debut LP, which hits shelves in the coming months.

And here’s a little bonus courtesy of the fine folks over at La Blogotheque.  The video displays Winston’s ability to strip down all the effects and shine just as bright.  Plus, it was shot multiple times all over Paris and edited into one video, which will make any videophile smile.