Formed by siblings Rob and Kate Flynn and guitarist Jamie Collison, The Winter Passing are near-legendary for their DIY work ethic, pressing their own records and booking their own shows. Today, their sophomore album New Ways of Living hits shelves, having been created in much the same DIY style.

The band holed up in the Ranch Production House in Southampton to record with producer Neil Kennedy, focusing on the strong melodies to pair with the narrative.

The album's winning qualities are its poignant lyrics and Kate Flynn's remarkable vocal. New Ways of Living hones in on feelings of loneliness and anxiety – made clear in ballad 'Greetings from Tipperary' and the guitar heavy 'Something to Come Home To'. You may not think weighty, abrasive rock pairs well with the kind of deep emotionality on New Ways of Living, but these are the times when The Winter Passing succeeds beyond expectation.

Sonically, the whole album serves as an ode to the early 2000's emo-rock, evoking easy comparisons to bands like the All American Rejects and Greenday. While some of the tracks on New Ways of Living can run together, there should be no doubt that The Winter Passing are wonderful, epic storytellers. This album will be a treat for fans.

Listen below.

• 7/10
• Out now.