Customer Reviews

Hymns For A Dark Horse

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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Bowerbirds defies a single market niche, but I've defaulted to describing them to friends as "bluesy acoustic Americana rock" - whatever that means. But their independence is one of their charms: it's difficult to find anything quite like them right now, and their emergence onto the indie scene is enormously exciting.

These musicians are the real deal: rhythmically complex, instrumentally tight, melodic yet evasive, and ultimately affecting. Their lyrics may seem uncomfortably earnest on paper, but everything just plain works when packaged together. And Bowerbirds is even better live, with impressive ensemble coordination and easy charisma.

Should you buy this album? Absolutely, without reservation. The only thing to consider is whether to buy now or wait for the Spring 2008 re-release on the Dead Oceans label, with two extra tracks promised. If you're going digital, tho, you can pick up those tracks when they're available and enjoy the rest of this fine album without delay.

Bought the vinyl re-release recently as preparation for the Calexico show next weekend.

As an FYI, the vinyl re-release has the original 10 songs, not the 12 contained in the digital re-release. I personally prefer vinyl over digital, so the aforementioned did not weigh heavily.

This music clearly adds to the vast indie landscape. In addition to the obvious Americana influences I hear Broadway and Jeff Buckley stuffed in there. The lyrical content, esp. the environmentalism, is familiar but is spun well. I highly recommend this to fans of modern Americana and to fans of various forms of indie music. And of course I look forward to next weekend.

I am already wanting more!!! Bowerbirds sound like no one else out there, right now or ever. Soft male/female vocals, tambourines, accordian, dominant beats and acoustic guitars have never been fused more perfectly. The closest comparison I can think of is Grizzly Bear (see "On a Neck, On a Spit" and "Easier") but still even then, the Bowerbirds sound has my vote as the most unique sound out there. I highly recommend this cd, my favorites: Bur Oak (the best song out there), My Oldest Memory, and In Our Talons. If you only end up downloading ONE song from iTunes, make it Bur Oak, you will not be disappointed!

Bowerbirds debut offers listeners a glimpse into their secluded North Carolina travel trailer existence. Hauntingly beautiful and catchy. They are great live, if you get the chance.