The Spinto Band - Moonwink

It’s easy to forget that ‘Moonwink’ is actually the seventh Spinto Band album. Seven. By that point some bands have split up and reformed a good eighty or so times, but then some bands just aren’t this happy.

Long shot of EMI and planted firmly in the bosom of Fierce Panda, it’s fair to say that ‘Nice And Nicely Done’ (released a couple of years ago via the former) was pretty buzz worthy but lacked the mainstream attention it may have deserved. While that had a few obvious stand outs, however, ‘Moonwink’ is a slightly different animal.

The sense of fun remains, primarily on ace lead single ‘Summer Grof’; a simple but effective track that sits firmly in the back of any mind it touches way beyond the point it should be forcibly removed. Elsewhere, though, there’s less in the way of obvious crossover; ‘The Carnival’ packing in more than a few ideas, while ‘They All Laughed’ contains a few darker undercurrents, documenting fleeting success that you’d imagine may be a little close to home.

If previously the beauty of The Spinto Band was in crafting perfect three minute pop songs that worked as singles even when they strictly shouldn’t, here it’s most certainly changed. Instead we’re treated to an album that hangs together, needs a bit of time and love, and rewards accordingly. Sure, a bit more shade with the light could help in the long haul, but bare with it; ‘Moonwink’ pays back in spades.