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Bowerbirds - Hymns For A Dark Horse
Wholeheartedly endorsed by one of America's most under-valued lyricists, John Darnielle from The Mountain Goats, Bowerbirds arrive on these shores with a hearty reputation to fulfil. With Darnielle's words of praise ringing in the UK's collective ears (they are apparently his "new favourite band in forever") 'Hymns For A Dark Horse' has become one of the most eagerly-anticipated releases this summer.
Tossed nonchalantly in by some critics with the ripe nu-folk movement, Bowerbirds have already been victims of an injustice. For what 'Hymns For A Dark Horse' so vociferously proves within seconds of its start is that Bowerbirds are so much more important than just that; for this is a record that evidently belies categorisation and sits above and beyond any small-minded concept of contemporary American folk music. From the first bars of the record's opener 'Hooves', where we get our first introduction to Phil Moore's quavering and indulgent range, you sense that Darnielle was not only right but that he's probably undersold himself a little too.
A trio of North Carolina natives (Beth Tacular and Mark Paulson complete the line-up) Bowerbirds' most immediate charm is their knack for crafting songs that take on characteristics and emotions of their own. Through an intentionally uneven recording process you instantly become privy to the human chinks and knots of each and every song; and it's strangely engaging. From the gentle rattle of un-held guitar strings through the over-stretched vocals and onto the lo-fi studio buzz that echoes after occasional songs, you slowly begin to see and feel inside the album's recording sessions. Each song subsequently becomes part of a wider journey; a human footstep taken by these 3 remarkable musicians on the path to creating one special 12-track album.
On-top of this the songs themselves are sprinkled liberally with moments of utter pop genius and it's this focus on creating a record fit for mainstream consumption that is responsible for Bowerbirds leaving behind the constraints of the nu-folk label. With a sound that is accordion-heavy they draw extensively from a range of disparate influences. On occasions you can hear the guiding hand of Zach Condon's Balkan lo-fi, on others there's the kooky eccentricities of Grizzly Bear. Yet whatever direction they choose to roam Bowerbirds craft moments of creative brilliance that helps peg them out as one of America's best kept secrets.
Fresh, brave, intimate and hugely-rewarding 'Hymns For A Dark Horse' is an exceptional debut recording. You'll struggle to hear a better album this year and whatever the critics choose to label them you'll know that it's just a small percentage of what this wonderful band actually represents.
Matt Brown
www.bowerbirds.org
Tossed nonchalantly in by some critics with the ripe nu-folk movement, Bowerbirds have already been victims of an injustice. For what 'Hymns For A Dark Horse' so vociferously proves within seconds of its start is that Bowerbirds are so much more important than just that; for this is a record that evidently belies categorisation and sits above and beyond any small-minded concept of contemporary American folk music. From the first bars of the record's opener 'Hooves', where we get our first introduction to Phil Moore's quavering and indulgent range, you sense that Darnielle was not only right but that he's probably undersold himself a little too.
A trio of North Carolina natives (Beth Tacular and Mark Paulson complete the line-up) Bowerbirds' most immediate charm is their knack for crafting songs that take on characteristics and emotions of their own. Through an intentionally uneven recording process you instantly become privy to the human chinks and knots of each and every song; and it's strangely engaging. From the gentle rattle of un-held guitar strings through the over-stretched vocals and onto the lo-fi studio buzz that echoes after occasional songs, you slowly begin to see and feel inside the album's recording sessions. Each song subsequently becomes part of a wider journey; a human footstep taken by these 3 remarkable musicians on the path to creating one special 12-track album.
On-top of this the songs themselves are sprinkled liberally with moments of utter pop genius and it's this focus on creating a record fit for mainstream consumption that is responsible for Bowerbirds leaving behind the constraints of the nu-folk label. With a sound that is accordion-heavy they draw extensively from a range of disparate influences. On occasions you can hear the guiding hand of Zach Condon's Balkan lo-fi, on others there's the kooky eccentricities of Grizzly Bear. Yet whatever direction they choose to roam Bowerbirds craft moments of creative brilliance that helps peg them out as one of America's best kept secrets.
Fresh, brave, intimate and hugely-rewarding 'Hymns For A Dark Horse' is an exceptional debut recording. You'll struggle to hear a better album this year and whatever the critics choose to label them you'll know that it's just a small percentage of what this wonderful band actually represents.
Matt Brown
www.bowerbirds.org
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