Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

North Carolina has produced its share of folksy backwoods farmers and hunters who love to pick on guitars around the campfire. Bowerbirds is the latest installment, and they deliver a very good performance on their debut album, Hymns for a Dark Horse.  Phil Moore and company deliver a vast array of melodies using harmonicas, an old accordion, and sleepy violins. Hymns for a Dark Horse was originally released in July of 2007; but is now gaining a new and fresh start from Dead Oceans which is re-releasing the album on both cd and the audiophile’s favorite-vinyl.

Throughout the entirety of the album, the Bowerbirds flow from track to track with well written lyrics bringing up everything from helping protect our fragile environment to looking at human hate. This album seems to have been written entirely in the woods with the help of the animals themselves. It is obvious they are trying to push an agenda of environmental awareness and loving nature; but it does come off in such a melodic way that most people will be lost in the rich song craft.

As a folk album, Hymns for a Dark Horse does not overly stand out from other similar albums from the same genre. There are no new themes. There are no new tactics and strategies used in the music. The album though is very enjoyable as background music and is very soothing after a long day of work. I am sure the loons, frogs, and snails mentioned throughout the album enjoyed the production; but I am looking forward to the sophomore album where most bands reap the fruit of the seeds they sow in their first album.

Must Listen: Hooves and Olive Hearts
Deeper Enjoyment: In Our Talons and Dark Horse