Hymns For A Dark Horse

the debut album from earthy folk act bowerbirds, 'hymns from a dark horse', was quite the revelation in 2007. it seemed out of time, emersonian, whitmanesque, transcendental. secretly canadian / jagjaguwar affiliate label dead oceans liked the album so much that the imprint signed the band and is re-releasing 'hymns from a dark horse' (it was originally released by tiny label burly time), with two bonus tracks: 'matchstick maker' and 'la denigracion.' the album crafts dark, mature indie / folk that immediately casts them into impressive company the likes of the decemberists, the rosebuds and andrew bird. the album creeps along and slowly burrows its melodies and tales into your subconscious. the band accents their stories and moore's impressively restrained voice with accordion and spare instrumentation. tacular's backing female vocals add a seductive and feminine quality to the band's music. bowerbirds are able to create a natural, organic mood that is completely memorable on 'hymns for a dark horse'.