The lounge area that is now part of Soundfix Records sits cozily past its music collection, and is a venue you want to take advantage of. The intimacy it provides is unlike any other record store’s, since there are tables over which specialty drinks can be had in a laid back atmosphere, away from all the records under bright lights of commerce; and the size of the room itself is just right. Bowerbirds took no more than 15 minutes to set up. After the most basic of sound checks, the acoustics proved its worth as well. Other events may prove otherwise, but the venue was a superb fit for this particular band (while handling my t-shirt purchase, singer Phil Moore said that he had previously been unaware of the store’s existence, but was glad to have discovered it through playing it; on stage he mentioned how good it felt to play a small venue after touring with the Mountain Goats for the past few weeks).
Firstly, Bowerbirds is returning to New York for two dates:
10-01 New York, NY - The Bowery Ballroom
10-02 Brooklyn, NY - Studio B
Mark these down, because the last time they played Bowery Ballroom (video!), they were quite fabulous. Secondly, given that Dan Deacon’s shuffle iPod, which remains taped to a plastic banana, went missing during a show in London, we can assume his cousin’s friend in the State Department was able to get him a passport for his first ever trip to Europe. On his “missing beast”, he posted a MySpace bulletin saying he’s not mad, but he’d like it back.
Beth Tacular of Bowerbirds, on the other hand, claims her accordion was stolen by Gumby, and is offering a $500 reward for the Gumby, with or without the accordion.
Bowerbirds was a treat to watch at Bowery Ballroom, when they opened for Ladybug Transistor and The Rosebuds last night. The sound that is captured in their recordings is even more elegant live, and the performance reaffirmed the fine quality of Phil Moore’s and Beth Tacular’s voices. It was a soothing set faithful to the recordings, rarely interrupted by any talking. “In Our Talons,” with its energetic chorus, was beautifully rendered. Friend Mark Paulson was also present, switching between bass drum and violin (Beth switched between bass drum and accordian). For the last song they played “Dark Horse,” and two members of the Rosebuds came out to sing the exiting refrain. Almost half the space had filled up through their early set, but it shouldn’t be long till Bowerbirds plays to a devoted audience.
Hymns for a Dark Horse is a superb album from the NC duo (sometimes trio) Bowerbirds. I’ll be posting an album review next week, but don’t forget they’re playing tonight at Bowery Ballroom, they’re scheduled to go on sharp at 8:15 pm. Myspace is streaming.
Some new earthy, acoustic music from North Carolina’s Bowerbirds. The husband-wife duo of Phil Moore and Beth Tacular live in an Airstream trailer (pictured) in the woods, and are often joined by friend Mark Paulson on their musical adventures. Hymns for a Dark Horse will come on July 10 from the newly-formed label Burly Time Records. They are embarking on a mini tour that includes a May 24 date at Bowery Ballroom with The Rosebuds and Ladybug Transistor. Advance tickets are $13.
Hymns for a Dark Horse is a superb album from the NC duo (sometimes trio) 