There’s warmth attained when Sam Beam’s tranquil melodies glide across his simple acoustic arrangements.

With the lovely winter weather beating down once again, Iron and Wine’s EP Woman King provides a soothing accompaniment to brave the sting of Mother Nature.

Six new tracks exploring themes of biblical women as well as more personal women provide the subject matter to Beam’s intimate folk songs, and the results are memorable and satisfying.

The title track begins the record with a sliding guitar-line driven by the clicks and clacks of drum rims. “Hundred years/ Hundred more/ Someday we may see a woman king,” Beam sings. Introspective lyricism strengthens the emotional tone that Beam perfects.

Sister Sarah Beam plays a key role in the success here as well, complementing Sam’s quieter vocals with angelic harmonies that hover perfectly above the songs.

However,”Jezebel” is arguably the highlight here, with the dual plucks of guitars creating catchy melodies underneath Beam’s empathetic approach to the famous biblical character.

During this last spurt of winter, keep warm with a hat, gloves and Iron and Wine’s latest EP.