Smoke Fairies Announce 10th Anniversary of 'Wild Winter' || Plus, Beer + Winter Shows

SMOKE FAIRIES’ themed album ‘Wild Winter’ is set for a highly anticipated reissue in celebration of its 10th anniversary via the band’s own imprint Year Seven Records. Originally released in 2014 exclusively through Rough Trade and as their Album of the Month, ‘Wild Winter’ quickly sold out before a global reissue in 2015.

This winter, ‘Wild Winter’ has been repackaged in new artwork designed by Jessica Davies and available on limited edition “Snowglobe Blizzard” vinyl and CD formats, releasing December 13 2024, to commemorate its ongoing legacy and its unique place in the band’s discography.

‘Wild Winter’ marked a defining moment in Smoke Fairies’ career, praised for its haunting, unconventional take on seasonal music. The album boasts ten tracks including Christmas Without A Kiss, 3 Kings, the Handsome Family cover So Much Wine and the band’s version of Captain Beefheart’s Steal Softly Thru Snow. The album captures the beauty of winter with introspective, atmospheric tracks that explore themes of isolation, holiday traditions, and the darker side of the season. As Clash Music noted, “Smoke Fairies tap into mid-Winter noir...allied with soft, folk-hued vocals and distorted effects.”

Smoke Fairies (Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies) explained:

"We have a love / hate relationship with winter and the Christmas holiday. When it was suggested Smoke Fairies make a Christmas album the last thing we wanted to do was make a classic, jolly, celebratory album that can only be played once a year. Sometimes winter provides us with a sense of togetherness and love and sometimes it leaves us feeling alienated, cold and playing a glockenspiel alone in a darkened room. It's part of the year that will always be bittersweet and wild. This was the inspiration behind the record. We got together with our band, played around with the songs a few times then headed off to the studio to record them all live. It's buzzy and raw and not one tinkling of sleigh bells can be heard."

To celebrate this anniversary, Smoke Fairies will also revive their collaboration with Signature Brew for a special re-release of their Wild Winter ale. Originally brewed to complement the album, this seasonal ale will be available again, bringing fans a taste of the album’s wintery ambiance.

The band will mark the anniversary with two intimate live performances: at The Piper in Hastings on Thursday December 19th and in London on Friday December 20th offering fans a unique opportunity to experience ‘Wild Winter’ up close and to get their hands on a pint of the beer at the same time.

‘Wild Winter’ by Smoke Fairies is more than a holiday album; it’s an immersive seasonal experience that captures the essence of winter’s introspective beauty and wild charm.

LIVE DATES:

• 19th DECEMBER - HASTINGS - The Piper
• 20th DECEMBER - LONDON - Signature Brew Haggerston

Tickets are on sale to Smoke Fairies’ Patreons now and on general sale from 10am Friday 15th November

SMOKE FAIRIES - 10TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF - ‘WILD WINTER’ ON LIMITED EDITION VINYL & CD - 13 DECEMBER 2024

PRE-ORDER HERE