THE SKINNY: In theory, this album shouldn't be as good as it is. Oh, but it is.
WEBSITE: http://www.bowerbirds.org/
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/bowerbirds
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/bowbowtribe
Bowerbirds, a band featured here not too long ago, have a new album out entitled Upper Air. Though it is very similar to their last album in terms of style and structure, somehow they get away with producing a cookie cutter album by assembling a captivating collection of songs. Personally, I am never a supporter of duplicates. I am impressed by progress and evolution instead of a recreation of the old. But somehow, the album's pure beauty is enough to distract me from the lack of growth. The instrumentation, melodies and raspy harmonies still maintain a freshness that lures me in without putting up much of a fight. Their myspace page has a few tracks from the album available for listening, but all of the songs are best heard in context.
"Teeth" off of Upper Air
FAVORITE TRACK: Teeth
FOR FANS OF: Beirut, M. Ward, Andrew Bird
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/bowerbirds
Bowerbids is a folk group from Raleigh, North Carolina, and consists of two main members: Phil Moore (lead guitar, vocals) and Beth Tacular (accordion, keys, vocals). They have employed a multitude of different supporting musicians, but are currently touring with Matt Damron, who plays drums and lends vocal support.
The band has an excellent understanding of how to construct a song. Moore's voice is often the perfect accent to the surrounding instruments. He never overwhelms the listener by attempting to overpower the supporting cast. His voice does precisely what is asked of it, allowing the deceivingly thick texture to be prominent.
Avoiding grand arrangements is really a motif for the entire band. You can hear every instrument. The role of each sound is carefully thought through, and one never drowns out another.
What makes Bowerbirds so admirable is that they are bringing life to a sound that has a tendency to get old rather quickly. We have all heard the annoying folk guy at a party, clutching his dented and scratched classical guitar, blithely screeching away as he butchers Neutral Milk Hotel selections. You don't get that vibe from this band. When they sing, you believe them. And it's something we need more of.
THE SKINNY: An introspective folk group with a unique attention placed on rhythmic creativity
FAVORITE TRACK: "In our Talons"
FOR FANS OF: Beirut, M. Ward
