Review : Bowerbirds - Upper Air

Independent Music Review - Bowerbirds


Bowerbirds - Upper Air

Upper Air by Bowerbirds
LABEL: Secretly Canadian  |||  RELEASE: July 7, 2009

Upper Air, by the Bowerbirds, embodies a strong connection with the natural world. As a folk act, they excel in the simple yet elegant sway of singer/songwriter acoustics while interweaving an earthly vocal style. Stylistically, the Bowerbirds are rather humble and unimposing yet they're able to satisfy the listener on, both, a carnal and intellectual level. Upper Air, stripped of electric tones, allows for a more raw and passionate vibe that permeates the album.

The lyrics are especially captivating; a perfect counterpart to the rest of the music. Each song has it's own set of congruent nature metaphors which make for a distinct and concrete experience. There is a certain danger of falling into tired clichés by using nature so heavily, but the Bowerbirds reveal themselves to be intimate and endearing.

Upper Air is not built around strong, sing-along choruses. While there are distinct refrains, the album is held together by a listless lilt of a rambling guitar accompanied by an assortment of other acoustic instruments. It's a great album to put on while you kick back and relax, stare out the window, or wander aimlessly with your mp3 player.

REVIEWED BY BRANDON McKINNEY
BRANDON'S FAVORITE TRACKS: "Teeth" • "Beneath Your Tree" •  "Bright Future"




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