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Shearwater
"When I hear recordings of us playing live recently, it sounds to me like we're heading for something, aiming at someplace, somewhere otherworldly and lovely and a little bit evil, and that we're closer now than before."
Otherworldy. Lovely. Evil. Those are the words of Jonathan Meiburg, co-lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and ornithologist, that perfectly describe the music of his band, Shearwater. I'm a little hesitant to quote his words here -- but I feel that in order to describe the band to you, some input from a primary source -- besides the songs themselves -- is imperative.
Shearwater's music is intensely intimate and personal, but not self-absorbed. Whether belted out by Mr. Meiburg in his clear, reedy tenor or crooned in Will Sheff's slightly-off key rasp, the band's songs swoop organically -- from whispered, sinister moments to bombastic, triumphant melodic passages and back again -- like a predatory bird in flight, circling its quarry and going in for the kill.
For a long time, it seemed that Shearwater was a kind of hidden treasure of the Austin music scene -- just a little side project of members of the more well-known outfit, the eclectic Okkervil River. But over the past few years, since the release of their second album, Everybody Makes Mistakes, and on the heels a lengthy touring schedule in support of their third full-length, Winged Life, Shearwater has finally come into their own. And it's about damn time.
For one thing, they've settled, more or less into a stable lineup that includes (in addition to Messrs. Meiburg and Sheff on vocals, keyboards, guitar, banjo, and occasionally, the accordion) Kim Burke on the upright bass, Howard Draper on keyboards and lap steel, percussionist Thor Harris, and fiddler Travis Weller. Recent additions Howard and Travis round out the band's sound and their inclusion in the group has led to the appearance of a lovely, evil cover of Talk Talk's "A Rainbow" in live sets that culminates in several minutes of creepy instrumentals buzzing with feedback from the guitar and violin.
Last week, Shearwater released an EP, Thieves, that is the first of their recorded efforts to fully capture and crystallize the magic of their live performances (the first two songs below are taken from that release), and I hope that their next album will continue to do the same.
Shearwater - Mountain Laurel
Shearwater - I Can't Wait
Shearwater - Whipping Boy
Shearwater - Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine
Shearwater - Well, Benjamin
There are more songs available to download at Shearwater's official site. Buy their new EP, Thieves and latest full length, Winged Life, at Amazon.
Posted by Little Miss Rock'n'Roll at 02.09.05 at 2:10 AM
Comments
THOR!
We love Thor.
Seeing Shearwater makes me hold my breath because I don't want to make any noise that could interrupt the song. They're perfect to get dizzy to, though.
Posted by: stephanie at 02.09.05 at 10:38 AM
Shearwater in studio at kut
Posted by: [ luna ] at 02.11.05 at 10:27 AM
Thanks, luna!
Posted by: Queen of the Front Row at 02.11.05 at 11:29 AM
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