ShearwaterThe Golden Archipelago
Matador Records [2010]
Fire Note Says: Another stellar record in their catalog!
Album Review:
Shearwater really made a breakthrough with their last release Rook [2008] and the group perfects their art on the recently released The Golden Archipelago. This is a record that you should plan on giving a listen from Track 1 to Track 11 without missing a beat, as its sequencing is as important as its sonic highlights. Right from the building intro of lead off track "Meridian", you recognize immediately that this record is complex, well planned out and a true grower. Jonathan Meiburg's voice absolutely floats on this album, as his falsetto drives each track and really takes a tone down from the more upbeat moments found on Rook. At first, fans may penalize Shearwater for this approach and start to downgrade The Golden Archipelago, but I would argue that it is the perfect follow up and a very close second when comparing the two records. What is more important, is the fact that The Golden Archipelago really is an excellent addition to the now trilogy of records from Shearwater, that shows different angles and aspects of this talented group, which I guarantee with repeat listens is an album that will stick in your head!
Key Tracks: "Corridors", "Black Eyes", "Runners Of The Sun"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Gene
Antony And The Johnsons
Talk Talk
Shearwater: Rook [Fire Note Review 5/29/08]
Official Shearwater Website
Shearwater MySpace
Shearwater Facebook
Matador Records
-Reviewed by Aidan Rox
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