Monday Magazine

With an album title like Winter Hours and track names such as “All The Money I Had Is Gone,” “The Gallows,” Two Time Loser” and “The Sun Never Shines,” you might think this would be a bleak listening experience. But despite the themes covered, this is a well-crafted, highly listenable collection of original songs by the Deep Dark Woods. With excellent arrangements and great hooks, songs such as “How Can I Try” and “All The Money…” keep coming back to haunt you. Recorded live from the floor by Steve Dawson (who guests on a few tracks) the guitar work and blend of instruments, including pedal steel bass and drums, is excellent. The vocals by Ryan Boldt and harmonies by the band are captivating. The collection has a really polished yet rootsy feel to it. Their first release, Hang Me, Oh Hang Me, was nominated for Best Roots Album at the WCMA awards, and this release can only do better.
—Rod McCrimmon