The Wooden Birds: Two Matchsticks

The Wooden Birds
Two Matchsticks
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore outing from The Wooden Birds finds the group expanding their sound for positive results.

Album Review:
Andrew Kenny has always been well respected in the indie world with his American Analog Set releases but the more folk offering of his side project, Wooden Birds debut Magnolia, only seemed to meet the listener half way. Two Matchsticks is the sophomore record for The Wooden Birds and it aims to change your perception of the group, as it now is a fairly steady quartet that along with Kenny includes Leslie Sisson, Matt Pond (Matt Pond PA) and Sean Haskins (American Analog Set). The record expands on the groups overall sound and arrangements which truly embraces the more band vibe and lets the electric guitar and drums out of their cage. Vocally, Leslie Sisson takes a bigger role and has more presence during Two Matchsticks, like with the lead vocal on catchy "Baby Jeans" being a great example. Also having Matt Pond chiming in on vocals helps Two Matchsticks succeed with more full harmonies plus the addition of longtime friend Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) never hurts either. This advanced sound goes a long way for Two Matchsticks, as it is a much more cohesive and entertaining record compared to the debut Magnolia. Lastly, with more work and time together, The Wooden Birds have real potential to take this project to the next level as Two Matchsticks only scratches the surface but is definitely a step in the right direction and worth your time to check out.

Key Tracks: "Folly Cub", "Baby Jeans", "Be No Lie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Eulogies
Carissa's Wierd
Earlimart

The Wooden Birds: Magnolia [Fire Note Review 5/8/09]

The Wooden Birds Website
The Wooden Birds Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony