Bowerbirds’ Upper Air is a 2009 sleeper, flying just under the radar. Given Phil Moore and Beth Tacular’s simple melodies and delicate arrangements, the acoustic folk outfit won’t stay there for long. After relentless touring, including a performance at this year’s Primavera festival in Spain and an upcoming spot on the Pitchfork Festival’s lineup, they seem destined for nu-folk greatness.

On Upper Air, the loose compositions all share a tender connection with Moore’s acute lyrics and unassuming voice. Where debut full-length Hymns for the Dark Horse focused on the natural world, here we find Moore in a more confessional state of mind. This transition proves to mature the entire sound; more personal lyrics combined with an expanded repertoire of instruments raises the bar for the band. Though the married duo (with Matt Damron on drums) do just one thing throughout the record, they do it well, and without pretense. Soft percussion, accordion and Tacular’s Feist-like harmonies accent this excellent release from Dead Oceans.

Bowerbirds – Northern Lights

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