Bowerbirds: Upper Air

Releasing their second L.P to date on their new label home of Dead Oceans, Bowerbirds have successively crafted something that sounds simultaneously fresh and aged.

Like the best of contradictions, it doesn't seem to make much sense at first but it's difficult to explain the overall 'feel' of the record without constantly referring to its fresh yet authentic opposing aspects. Perfect it most certainly is not, yet it holds something uniquely captivating and provides a welcome occasion for using the phrase 'je nous se qua'.

There are rumbling acoustic hints of Bon Iver, folk vocals akin to Fleet Foxes and restrained, emotive melodies that genuinely strike a nerve, even if a little generic at moments. Silver Clouds is a wonderful display of the band's talents and works musical wonders with only simplicity and subtlety as its tools. It's easy listening but it holds a loose depth and echo that layers the song instead of leaving it sounding hollow.

The new generation of folk music is currently in full swing and Bowerbirds are most certainly a trio that stand prominently amongst the rising stars of the ever growing genre. Though their chosen music territory seems to be snow-balling in popularity and mainstream attention, the band themselves seem firmly grounded and allow their music to remain as one enjoyable stream of creativity instead of trading-off better material for potential singles or radio-baiting anthems.

Northern Lights stands as a personal highlight and unravels flawlessly, utilising an effective string rhythm with a slow but steady pace that sits comfortably underneath front-man Phil Moore's quaintly entertaining vocals. "All i want is your eyes" he repeats gently in the chorus, sounding more romantic than serial-killer. It's a wonderful song that should last longer than its scant three-minute duration (especially when there's less affecting material reveling almost tauntingly near the four minute mark).

Though the lasting appeal of Upper Air is questionable, it still sits head and shoulders above the majority of tiresome folk attempts out there. Each member seems sincere and serious about their music and that greatly aids the overall immersion factor. It's so much easier to be guided into the artist's creative vision instead of having to force your own way in.

It mayn't hold up to the more prominent names in the new-folk world (the aforementioned Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes being two superior examples) but it's still a welcomed addition to the higher echelons of a genre ready to burst with impersonators.