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Shearwater
(We covered Shearwater last year -- here's a reprint of that original entry, updated with what the band's been up to in the past year.)
"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, 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. And when belted out by Mr. Meiburg in his clear, reedy tenor reminiscent of Mark Hollis', 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 and the gem-like perfection of their 2005 EP Thieves, Shearwater finally come into their own. And it was about damn time.
They've settled, after some personnel changes (including the departure of Okkervil River's Will Sheff, who shared lead vocal duties with Mr. Meiburg, and fiddler Travis Weller), into a more or less into a stable lineup that includes (in addition to Mr. Meiburg on vocals, keyboards, guitar, banjo, and occasionally, the accordion) Kim Burke on the upright bass, Howard Draper on keyboards, lap steel, and bass, and multi-percussionist Thor Harris. This slimmed down version of the band is gearing up to tour in support of their latest album Palo Santo, which is due out in May 2006. Be warned, they're working on a blazing cover of Brian Eno's "Baby's on Fire" that rivals their former cover showpiece -- a lovely, evil version of Talk Talk's "A Rainbow," that culminated in several minutes of creepy instrumentals buzzing with feedback from the guitar and violin.
Shearwater - Mountain Laurel
Shearwater - I Can't Wait
Shearwater - Whipping Boy
There are more songs available to download at Shearwater's official site. Buy the Theives EP at Amazon and the iTunes Music Store, and their latest full length, Winged Life, Amazon and the iTunes Music Store.
Posted by Little Miss Rock'n'Roll at 02.04.06 at 12:10 AM
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