Shearwater - "Rook" (2008)

The U.S. indie band Shearwater is a new acquaintance to me. I borrowed their album The Golden Archipelago from a friend a month ago, it was good enough to justify the buying of their fifth album Rook. The album seemed to have gotten great reviews, hence the choice. And I say it directly, it's a very good album.

Shearwater was created in 1999 by Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff. New members were added (and subtracted), at the time of the recording of Rook the band consisted of  Jonathan Meiburg, Kimberly Burke, Howard Draper and Thor Harris. Meiburg seems to be the creative engine in the band, as he is listed as the composer of all songs and producer of the album. He also has a degree in geography with a focus on ornithology, and shearwater is apparently the name of a type of seabird.

The music is beautiful, somewhat melancholy, often subdued and sentimental but also quite dramatic at times. In other words mostly calm and sensitive songs, but sometimes this tranquility is interrupted of something a little more noisy. An album that fits when you need to unwind and relax, perhaps after a week of hard work and two days of freedom awaits you. You pour your beer, thinking about the week that's been and realize you haven't come an inch closer to the life goals you once set up ... Yeah, I guess this album makes you feel a little sad at times. Anyway, I think I hear a little Tindersticks in the music, maybe a hint of Peter Gabriel and possibly a slight piece of Coldplay (who Shearwater has been the opening act for). At the same time Shearwater doesn't sound like any of those bands/artists, and no doubt they have their own sound. Besides the "normal" rock instruments the listener is offered funny things like a glockenspiel, a double bass and the clarinet. Meiburg has a fine singing voice that leaves its mark on many songs, and many times is used as an intrument with the others.

If I should find anything on the negative side it might be that it sounds pretty much the same the whole record through, concerning the sound, the atmosphere and the tempo. There's really not a lot of variation, but as I find this sound and atmosphere quite enjoyable I find that OK. And by the way, the record is not even 40 minutes long so you never have the time to grow tired of it.

Those who choose to buy the album in vinyl format (new) is offered one download of the record in digital format as well. Such generosity is appreciated, now Rook can follow me everywhere. I'm pretty sure that the purchaser of the album in digital format is not offered a copy on vinyl. That makes me feel like a winner. In addition, the vinyl album has a banjo-filled bonus track, North Col. Suck on that, all you CD buyers! (If there are any left)

Conclusion: A purchase of Rook can be recommended.

Tracklist

Side A
1. On The Death Of The Waters 3:08
2. Rooks 3:21
3. Leviathan, Bound 2:52
4. Home Life 7:15
5. Lost Boys 2:24

Side B
1. Century Eyes 2:18
2. I Was A Cloud 5:12
3. South Col 2:35
4. The Snow Leopard 5:08
5. The Hunter's Star 4:01
6. North Col 2:19