Bowerbirds Come To Roost

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 15, 2007 9:36PM

The male bowerbird is one ugly dude, but he makes up for his drab plummage by building elaborate, intricate nests with unusual materials like insect skeletons and bits of colorful garbage. Like their namesake, Raleigh, NC's Bowerbirds build a rather glorious abode out of simple, majestic, and formidable storytelling to house their comparatively modest, unassuming image. Chicagoist first basked in the group's aural light back in August, amidst a mellow crowd at Schubas that had to be comprised of at least one-third journalists. At one point, a member of the audience approached our camera- and notebook-wielding contingent to ask what all the fuss was about this humble, soft-spoken freaky-folk trio, and we're pretty sure they had their answer by the end of the evening. Chief songwriter Phil Moore weaved fantastical tales over an acoustic guitar and a hi-hat/tambourine contraption, while the supporting cast of Beth Tacular and Marc Paulson shifted easily between a marching band bass drum, violin, and accordion. Much of the buzz surrounding Bowerbirds can be attributed to the staunch support of Mountain Goats' John Darnielle, who has called the group "my favorite new band in forever."

Not convinced? Take a listen to standout tunes like critics' favorite "In Our Talons," featured on the band's debut LP Hymns for a Dark Horse. With the interesting instrumentation, plaintive male-female vocal harmonies and varying arrangements, Moore's songs take on a rambling dimension that would be just as at home in an Eastern European gypsy encampment as they'd be on some rogue, restless pirate ship.

MP3: Bowerbirds "In Our Talons"

Bowerbirds play the Empty Bottle tonight in support of Mountain Goats, 9:00 p.m., $15, 21+