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SXSW review: The Bowerbirds
In recent years there has been no shortage of indie singer/songwriters and folk bands, many who fade after a successful release or two. Musicians that choose to go down that road need to make sure they don’t sound like every other college kid with an acoustic guitar. Beth Tacular and Phil Moore, the two central players in North Carolina-based group Bowerbirds (on the album, etc., it’s just Bowerbirds, but various members of the band were calling themselves “The Bowerbirds”), distinguish themselves with well-crafted songs, warm vocals and the occasional accordion solo.
There is a fireside feel to the music, and despite a string of unfortunate sound problems Wednesday night at Club de Ville that led to their 11 p.m. set starting about 45 minutes late, the band still managed to convey that during their live set. Moore began by showing off his vocals on “Silver Clouds;” there is an operatic yet laid back quality to his voice, a combination that gives him the air of a seasoned storyteller. His voice also allows him to get away with lyrics like “you can move like a silver cloud through the sky,” something that might sound ridiculous coming from anywhere else.
On House of Diamonds” and “Teeth” and “In Our Talons,” the band jammed a bit, playing with tempo changes and instrumentals, which, again, could have come across as gratuitous had the band not been so good at what they do. Moore lamented the fact that they were having so many problems on stage, but it seemed like he was more aware of the difficulties than the audience. They closed with “Northern Lights,” a lyrical standout, and “Crooked Love,” where a mandolin added yet another layer to an already lovely sound.
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