I have been a fan of the melodic indiepop which is crafted in the Northern part of the British island for a long time. Bands like Teenage Fanclub, BMX Bandits, Trash Can Sinatras, AC Acoustics, Belle and Sebastian, Arab Strap, Jesus and Mary Chain (the later stuff) and the Cocteau Twins all have a certain cosiness and warmth about them I cannot resist.

Only yesterday I discovered The Reindeer Section whose latest album is at #13 in This Is Not an Exit's best of 2002. Apparently Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol formed the band at a Lou Barlow concert in Glasgow. As many local groups were attending the show Lightbody who was in a merry mood asked them if they wanted to join his new band and they all said yes. Altogether there are 27 musicians involved coming from bands like Snow Patrol, Arab Strap, Belle and Sebastian, Idlewild, Teenage Fanclub, the Vaselines, Mogwai, Astrid, Mull Historical Society, V-Twin, Eva, Hercules and Alfie. If there ever was a supergroup this would be it.

The Reindeer Section released their second album Son of Evil Reindeer a couple of months ago. I am just getting totally addicted to the reserved Cartwheels, the sublime Coldwater and the touching You Are My Joy which you can stream with real audio here at EuroRanch. There are also three tracks from the first album Y'all get scared now, ya hear! there. If you like dreamy, tender, intimate and mainly downtempo songs you should check them out.

I really love the unobtrusiveness of this music. The spare string and horn arrangements never impose themselves on the simple gorgeous tunes. Mellow wistful songs which will warm my heart enough to survive the winter.