Derwent River Star's debut album is a lovingly adorned record of surging and moody music. Its eight songs unwind and relax with refreshing openness and simplicity. The band tackles everything from pump organ to cello, from ukulele to clarinet, and work it all into their own sound. Haunting vocals appear and disappear, but act as a rudder, steering proceedings across much of the album. The Winter Dark is cinematic and reflective without being overly ponderous. It's a record in safe hands - richly recorded, mixed and realised by Tony Dupe, producer and creator of the Saddleback project, Holly Throsby and much more.