BOWERBIRDS - UPPER AIR
July 04, 2009,
Written by Danny Wadeson
Label: Dead Oceans
Release date: 07/07/09
Website: Bowerbirds Official Website
Strummed guitars. Subtle piano hits. Lazy but assured vocals and a charming American drawl. The subtle introduction of a female vocal line in the chorus harmony. Yep, it’s Bowerbirds latest, unassuming and certainly unafraid to dive headlong into the folk-pop revival effort, yet somehow standing tall all the way.
Upper Air grows on you. I've listened to the album at least 30 times (yes, I guess I AM a thorough reviewer) in a month and I can confidently say that the soul of the album is elusive, playful and beautiful. On first listen I'd have given this album a fairly mediocre score on account of just how slow-burning it is, despite its initial and obvious charms; chiefly two gorgeous voices and evocative, quietely passionate lyrics such as 'I don't expect a southern girl/to know the northern lights' and 'For what it's worth/I draw my breath from an ancient earth.'
Then, after a few more listens the individual hooks, dynamics and harmonies begin to stand out a little from the swirling background melange of accordians and arpeggios. At point of writing the chorus harmony of 'Chimes', gently fluctuating over the sparsest of steel strings and accordian, is almost moving me to tears (Yeah...guess I'm pretty sensitive too!)
What Phil Moore and Beth Tacular (real name..? If so...TOO GOOD) have constructed here is a down-tempo, subtle slice of Americana goodness. Potentially however their effortless command of harmony and deceptively complex melodies are not matched by a marked variation in rhythmic and dynamic mastery, and some songs are so minialist as to undermine the arrangements of others.
It's amazing how quickly musical trends emerge. Yet, unlike so many indie bands a few years ago eclipsed by Franz Ferdinand and The Artic Monkeys, unlike so many great, solo female singer-song writers that will unfortunately be eclipsed by Spektor's new album, Bowerbirds are one folk-pop duo that are not content to be overlooked. This is one bird-song sure to attract the attention of all; Upper Air is beautiful, melancholy, understated and possessed of moments of heart-wrenching sensitivity.
Rating: 8/10
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2 responses so far...
Oliver
For me this was a bit of a let down. I think it was always going to be hard to follow 'Hymns For A Dark Horse'
Wade
Always the problem with amazing debuts. Still, like i say, it's SUCH a grower, even though it's underwhelming at first. I think it definitely holds its own...i'm sure no.3 will be a bit more confident and blow the other two out of the water.
Kate - 16/03/10
Schadenfreude. I think you've pretty much covered it in the last paragraph: when we're down, we search for culture which empathises; when we're up, we search for culture which makes us see the value and worth of our current 'positive' situation. Not everyone though: some people detest dark comedy, cynical people and skeptical views. [view article]
Oliver - 16/03/10
I love having absoultely nothing to do with the podcasts. It means Ican get excited about when they get released. I was giddy this morning when Itunes started to download it for me! [view article]
Benzil - 16/03/10
The Tubelord segment was superb, poor Rob. I was confused too. Nice work lads. [view article]
Emma - 16/03/10
Hey there :) Just wondered, did you take the pictures yourself? Its just im currently completing my Final Major Project for my publishing course and im making a music magazine. Having a massive problem with copywrite :/ If you did take the pictures would i be able to use the ones of pulled apart by horses? because they are the best ive found :P they really capture how mental they are. You would be a MASSIVE help. Id put your name on the pictures and if you want i can sent you the mag when its done so you can put it in a portfolio or summat? Would be a MASSIVE help :) If your interested could you email me on only-inhuman@hotmail.com Cheers :) [view article]
Oliver - 16/03/10
Ahh, I just meant in general! Not in comparison! 40 minutes would be cool! One every two weeks Aaron? ;) [view article]