Shearwater
Golden Archipelago
(Matador)

Shearwater – The Golden Archipelago Interesting album and an interesting band. I have a feeling The Golden Archipelago from Shearwater is one of those discs that will grow on me over time. Shearwater was originally started in 2001 by Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff when both artists were part of indie band Okkervil River. The two started Shearwater as an outlet for some of the quieter, more mellow work the two had created. Will Sheff is no longer with Shearwater, but the release of The Golden Archipelago marks the bands sixth full-length release. A friend of mine suggested Shearwater is reminiscent of The Colour of Spring era Talk Talk. The comparison makes sense, for Shearwater has created a disc that features a grand vocal style very much like the aforementioned influential Britpop band. This may be subdued indie pop, but I almost sense a prog rock style of singing when listening to the vocals, they are that pronounced. Complementing the vocals is a beautiful landscape painted by the backing music, a mixture of gentle guitar strumming and powerful work on the piano. At times the tempo is elevated a bit, such as on the stirring piece "Corridors", but never done so in a manner that detracts from the basic foundation of the album. The Golden Archipelago is one of those albums with an underlying power that a casual listener may not immediately realize. The band did a fabulous job of creating a disc that gently draws the listener in, then in a very careful manner pummels the senses. Give a listen to The Golden Archipelago to experience this for yourself. Kudos to Shearwater for another quality album!

-lindsay


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