One in the Oven

Hymns For A Dark Horse
Bowerbirds
Dead Oceans, 2008
4 stars

In 2005 singer/guitarist Phil Moore spent time in a cabin observing birds in the Carolina woods. It’s highly unlikely he would have spotted a bowerbird during this stint (they’re Australian natives), but accompanied by girlfriend Beth Tacular, Moore cut himself off from the world and formed the basis of Bowerbirds the band. Rounded out by Mark Paulson on violin, Bowerbirds produce soft, soulful folk of strummed acoustic guitar, minimal percussion and lines of piano accordion, with Moore’s crooning vocals occasionally mirrored by female backing. It feels as light as a feather (courtesy of a clever lack of amplification), yet as warm and welcoming as a perfectly cooked roast chook (album standout Bur Oak in particular). Hymns is one fowl dinner that only gets better with repeat helpings. [Fuse]

Published in mX, Thursday August 7, 2008