Top band launches CD in aid of animal charities

Winter Moods, one of Malta's top local bands, yesterday launched its latest extended play (EP), Closer, with four tracks, in aid of local animal welfare charities.

The EP contains the band's latest single Closer, another new song Not Enough (For Africa), as well as two new recordings of its previous hits. These are Everyday Song, which features the Voices choir, and an acoustic version of Come to You, taken from a recording of a live Radio Voyager session.

"Our involvement with local animal charities has brought us in contact with several individuals who voluntarily donate their time, energy and money to assist animals in need - dogs and cats that are abandoned or ill-treated and left to die on our roads. These people go out of their way, at any time of day, to save an animal's life," said band frontman Ivan Grech.

Speaking at a press conference at Henry J. Bean's, St Julians, Mr Grech said that Closer was a tribute to these people, whom Winter Moods considered "local heroes".

"We hope that the proceeds from this project will assist them, albeit in a small way, in their mission." All proceeds will be donated to SOS Animals Malta, a voluntary organisation that was set up to collect and distribute funds to animal welfare societies in need. These include the Association for Abandoned Animals, Island Sanctuary, National Cat Society, St Francis Foundation for Animals, Noah's Ark and Support for Animals.

Closer was recorded at Temple Studios and was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by David Vella, who also worked on the band's previous CD albums.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in this project. I would also like to thank the shops which will be selling this EP at no profit, so that every single cent can be deposited in the animal welfare fund," Mr Grech added.

Closer will go on sale tomorrow at Exotique in Baystreet following an acoustic performance by Winter Moods at 2 p.m.

The EP will then be available from all local music shops and Vodafone retail outlets at Lm2.50.

Donations can be made to SOS Animals Malta via SMS on 50616000 for a donation of 50c; 50617358 for Lm1; on 50618071 for Lm2; 50618914 for Lm3; and 50619209 for Lm5.

www.wintermoods.net