As a harsh winter lurks around the corner, The Wilderness of Manitoba creates a safe hideaway on its latest release, When You Left The Fire, a cozy collection of earthy themes and big sounds that ultimately warm the soul with the familiar blanket of folk music.
From season-spanning titles to a Fleet Foxes-esque sound, The Wilderness of Manitoba channels many of the elements that define the northwestern folk movement. They blend these folky undertones with bounding vocals, including swelling harmonies and the delicate voice of Melissa Dalton. As the nature-oriented songs ebb and flow throughout, it’s easy for one’s listening journey to resemble an aimless walk in the wilderness.
“Hermit” is the album’s epitome of the obvious influences. Whether it’s the Bob Dylan-like harmonica that opens the song, the airy vocals that hint at love’s longing or the fleeting percussion, the song is pleasant and soothing, but plays more like a derivative sampler than a standalone track.
While the band’s sound is promising, there isn’t too much on this album that the band can call its own. When You Left The Fire lingers too long in generic details and without a break from well-trodden sounds, the band is too safe.
As a seasonal album, When You Left The Fire is the perfect companion to the coming bitter chill. Its predictability is not completely lost — there’s much to be said about the comfort and solace one can find in its accessible, delicate songs. But at the same time, you might as well put on your flannel, grab a cup of coffee and curl up by the fire, because it looks like it might be a long winter.
