The Bowerbirds are on tour in promotion of their newest album The Clearing which came out March of this year. The album remains true to their sound but displays the growth appropriate for a third release. Additionally, Bowerbirds members Philip Moore and Beth Tacular have had an emotionally charged few years since the release of 2009's Upper Air. In a nutshell Pitch Perfect PR tells us that:
Beth nearly died after a mysterious illness that put her in the hospital. They rescued and adopted a dog that ran beneath their tour van’s tires. Beth and Phil even ended their long relationship but began it again after realizing that, despite their own shortcomings, they didn’t want to be with anyone else. Mostly, though, they returned to their cabin in the woods of North Carolina to nest—to make soup and walk dogs, to make art and write songs, to realize that this was their life and find contentment in it. For the Bowerbirds, The Clearing represents the perfect realization of a fresh, timely outlook. Here, there’s acceptance with ambition, patience with aspirations, understanding with intelligence. On The Clearing, Phil and Beth sing of the best and most important moments of their life and, in turn, create new ones.
Normally I'd steer clear of these press releases in my own writing, but I cannot ignore the idea that the influence of these events can be heard on the album in the Bowerbirds lyrics and melodies. The Clearing is an album that sounds in thick layers like an oil painting. I know that the material featured on this record will provide for a moving and memorable concert and I look forward to seeing them perform this June 7th at the Ottobar in Baltimore MD with guest Basia Bulat.
If you would like to join me at this concert TWD happens to be able to hook up one lucky reader and their plus one. The rules are simple: Leave an article comment with the title of your favorite Bowerbirds song in the comment section below, and then be in touch with TWD via twitter, facebook, or email (dave(at)thosewhodig(dot)net) with your contact information and we'll make sure you are taken care of.
Feel free to reach out the band before the show and let them know that you dig their work. You can find them via their webpage, twitter, and facebook. I look forward to seeing you at the show – send me a tweet and let me know that the Dig nation is out and in full force.