Shearwater - Rook

Matador

Pensive piano greets the ears of the listener, and hearts are implored right from the get-go. One might be forgiven for thinking it’s all about to go a bit Coldplay, when a massive, clanging, death knell of a guitar comes crashing in, reminding us not to get too comfortable. Shearwater embody a peculiar ground, being American, but sounding like they’re lost in some kind of creepy gothic landscape. One can almost see the mist hanging lifelessly off the moor. But one must make it absolutely clear that this is not Southern Gothic, but a distinctly English sound, occasionally bringing to mind hints of Fairport Convention, but with a more indie-rock slant, if such a thing were possible.

There are many impressive moments on Rook, and Shearwater have created their own world in which to inhabit, but they’re not quite there just yet. The indie element holds back their sense of atmosphere, bringing us from their world back into our own. They can only get better when they realise that their world is potentially far more interesting than ours. Steven Rainey

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DOWNLOAD: ‘ON THE DEATH OF THE WATERS’, ‘LOST BOYS’.
FOR FANS OF: WISPY MIST AND MYSTERY.

Issue #52 - Very Bro-some

Featuring Panama Kings, ASIWYFA, an investigation into DIY touring, details of what over 25 of the finest NI bands are up to in 2009 and much more.