A fresh and intense folk rock duo gaining traction in today’s music culture is an achievement of consequence. Raleigh-based Phillip Moore and Beth Tacular who comprise Bowerbirds have parlayed their voices into two albums since 2006 that maintain a fresh consistency and a haunting beauty.
The Clearing, the Bowerbirds third and most recent offering, is a mature combination of Moore’s softly sung narrative and Tacular’s ethereal vocals and accordion play that melds with unlikely fuzzy guitar riffs sewn through a few of the heavily layered tracks.“In the Yard” and “Hush” occasionally channel bits of Brian Eno’s Another Green World- an oddity fitting in with the environmental nature of the album.
The modern ingredients of indie folk are all there: Swirling strings and choir- like oh’s and ah’s build a strong foundation beneath the architecture of every track. Each detailed bar accentuates the multi-faceted story the Bowerbirds tell within the bewitching environs of The Clearing. Phil and Beth are seemingly entangled among the briars and thorns of a working relationship, both expressing the ups and downs of being together and apart as a musical entity and a romantic item. No easy chore, with such emotionally charged work to be done.
Bowerbird’s declaration of staying power is evident within the dreamy landscape of the record. Whether they make it as a couple or not, Phil and Beth have taken flight as Bowerbirds and can remain at the loftiest heights if they continue making music like this.
Bowerbirds are: Beth Tacular; vocals, accordion. Phillip Moore; guitar, vocals. Mark Paulson; violin, vocals.
-Dan Reeves
