In the past quarter-century, those in the know have watched Shearwater slyly become one of the most distinctive and adventurous American bands. Led (as always) by songwriter and natural historian Jonathan Meiburg, 'The New World’s nine immersive songs find the group farther afield than ever, and in rare company: along with Meiburg’s fellow Shearwaters Emily Lee and Dan Duszynski, the album’s supporting cast includes instrumental wizard Shahzad Ismaily, saxophonist and clarinetist Doug Wieselman, qanunist Farouz Zriek, guitarist Leo Abrahams, ngonist Mamadou Kouyate, percussionists Mahamadou Tounkara and Moctar Kouyate (of Ngoni Ba), and unclassifiable drummer Thor Harris. (There’s even a surprise visit from a certain L. Anderson.) That might sound like a lot of passengers, but they’re all ideal company for a headlong journey through joy, confusion, reverence and defiance, with Meiburg’s voice as a graceful yet elusive guide. Both spare and ornate, 'The New World' is absorbing in a way few albums are; it’s hard not to listen to the end once you drop in.
STAFF COMMENTS
Barry says: I remember listening to Shearwater after being recommended it because of my love of early 00's post-rock, and I have to admit I didn't understand back then, I was young. Things are different now, and I find it a lot easier to reconcile their unfathomably broad avant-rock style, and hear echoes of their influence in the epic arty musings of their contemporaries.TRACK LISTING
1. Even Song
2. More and More
3. Daydream Unbeliever
4. A Mink in the Dusk
5. The Only Sound I’m Afraid Of
6. The High Ranges
7. Slugs in the Marigolds
8. Anamnesia
9. You and Your Dog
