Folk has come a long way since it’s initial popularity back in the 60’s, with such artists like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and of course Bob Dylan. Though Dylan abandoned his folk quest a few years after his career began, I’m one of the few who truly believe that his skill came from the Devil himself. Indie folk has emerged as that one folk genre still left, built up on the shoulders of bands like Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons, and made thrilling in the first place by Neutral Milk Hotel’s classic album In An Airplane Over the Sea. Bowerbirds is a band that continues that tradition, and if members Beth Tacular, Philip Moore, and Mark Paulson seek to do it, then they have been met with worthy results.

On Bowerbirds latest LP, The Clearing, the band put forth a record with a smoother polish than their last two. The songs feel really organic, right down to their subjects, making Bowerbirds the perfect companion on a walk through the woods. Despite that, Philip Moore chants on the track “This Year:” “But you know I’m not an activist, not in the purest sense, I’m not a pacifist, I know which rules to bend.” There is a wide array of instrumentation on these tracks, especially for a three piece band. It’s not often that you’ll hear a subtle oboe or singing saws on an album, but you get that here.

The albums opener, “Tuck the Darkness In” is the albums darkest, most poetic song. Moore confesses: “Oh my dear friend, everything falls to death, we tuck the darkness in.” His vocal delivery tinges of Jeff Mangum, bleeding honesty and compassion into every word, making it very believable. “In the Yard” is a song that feels like a walk through your back yard, but through appreciative eyes rather than the eyes of one who is used to their surroundings; it feels very much inspired by something matt pond PA would put out. The track “Hush” uses beautiful Fleet Foxes style harmonies, building upon Beth Tacular’s beautiful vocals, and features a well played xylophone.

If you’re thinking that this album is a one trick pony, it’s far from that. The exploration of lush tones, various instruments, and poetic and touching vocals is something that few bands are doing today. This may, in fact, be the year’s best album.

Album Rating: Buy It on CD or Vinyl

Listening Co-efficient: Active Listen

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