Singer, guitarist, and songwriter Doug Miller decided to assemble the Winter Blanket in 1999, after several years playing with Illinois-based band Darling. After reuniting with Kim Murray (vocals, guitar), also a former Darling element, he then recruited instrumentalist Stephanie Moble, sharing the vocal, piano, and guitar duties. Shortly afterward, drummer Paul Blomquist joined in, that way dictating the completion of the group. A few months after forming and after securing the works of Low's Alan Sparhawk, the band recorded their debut album in a record time of five days' work. Hopeless Lullaby, the group's debut album, was issued in 2000 through the Plow City Records label and acknowledged the band's referenced similarities to the conceptions of artists like Nick Drake or bands like the Red House Painters. Counting on with the collaboration of Mimi Parker, Sparhawk's wife, and also a member of Low, the band ultimately offered a solid premier full-length disc. Actors and Actresses, the Winter Blanket's long-awaited second album, arrived in 2002, again reaffirming the band's recognition on the underground alternative scene. ~ Mario Mesquita Borges