Despite the rave reviews for Bowerbirds' debut Hymns For A Dark Horse, I never really connected with that record. Call it a case of "wrong place, wrong time" or perhaps even just expectations not quite matching up with the actual. Upper Air, on the other hand, has become a recent staple. Though less obviously brilliant than some of their peers, Bowerbirds' flair for beautifully arranged, airy folk-pop makes this a deceptively great record. Songs that seem simple or even forgettable once through transform after repeat listens into things both lovely and dramatic. "Teeth" is the obvious standout for me, but there's not really a weak link throughout. The upside of making a record with such an even keel is that you really don't run the risk of alienating the listener with an ill-advised step in an uncomfortable direction. The downside is that unless you're Belle & Sebastian, it's hard to make the leap from "consistent" to brilliant.Upper Air is pleasant, breezy and enjoyable without any effort on your part. There might not be a ton to discover beneath the surface, but this record eloquently makes the argument that there doesn't always need to be.
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