Music Reviews: Bowerbirds
Truth be told - smog is kinda pretty.
By Jaymie Baxley
“Upper Air”
Dead Oceans, 2009
Like it’s predecessor, 2007’s criminally unnoticed “Hymns For a Dark Horse,” Bowerbirds latest “Upper Air” is a taut set of stirring folk ballads about the fragile majesty of mother nature. Though this time around the band’s environmentalist ethos are less pronounced. Here the Raleigh boyfriend/girlfriend duo of multi-instrumentalists Phil Moore and Beth Tacular adorn their earthly compositions with pensive prose instead of flowery pro-tree slogans. The band’s fondness of old world instrumentation lends profound depth and authenticity to songs like the nautical minded “Teeth.” Occasionally Bowerbirds make subtle attempts to transgress a niche they’ve spent two fantastic albums cultivating (such as on the alt-country tinged “Northern Lights”) but “Upper Air” is by no means a departure for the band. And that’s just fine.
Bowerbirds appear to be on the cusp of a break through. Last year they traveled the country opening for the Mountain Goats and lately they’ve been receiving heavy attention from big-time publications. Bowerbirds are poised for success and since “Upper Air “ is essentially the summit of the duo’s style and aesthetic it makes for a perfect introduction to the band.
Bowerbirds are currently touring America but will return to North Carolina on Aug 22 to preform at the Arts Center in Carrboro.
NOTICE: It occurs to me that we’ve been reviewing a suspicious number of albums from area Indie-Folk outfits lately. But there’s just so damn many of these bearded freaks in NC. For the next couple of weeks we’ll be making a sincere effort to review albums by non-indie folk artists. Scout’s honor.
