Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

Bowerbirds to fluff their stuff at the Iron Horse

Add one part Phil Moore, one part Beth Tacular and one part Mark Paulson, mix in an acoustic guitar, a drum set and maybe a piano, and you come up with the trio that calls themselves the Bowerbirds.

Inspired by the idea that the earth is a sacred place, the original couple-duo Moore and Tacular founded the band in South Carolina before relocating to North Carolina. In 2006, the couple, along with Paulson, recorded their independent EP, “Danger at Sea.”

After being picked up by Burly Time Records, the trio recorded their debut album “Hymns for a Dark Horse.” The album features Moore’s deep, yet airy, voice in an almost chant-like state, combined with Tacular’s significantly higher pitched echo to balance out to a melodic and weird – but likeable – sound that is extremely unique.

The album, mostly inspired by nature, focuses on the environment around them. The Birds present an eco-friendly, save-the-Earth message in a way that is not too preachy or in your face. It is a subtle and earnest plea for humans to recognize the destruction that we continue to be responsible for day after day.

In a 2008 interview with the Boston Globe, Moore said of his inspiration of the album, “Beth and I were living in South Carolina, and I took a job watching birds for the summer in this funny little place called Pet Village – a hunting village … I started writing songs that were more simple and more about melodies and singing. They were just for myself.”

The album and songs on it, would lead to a tour that spanned across the United States as well as parts of Canada in a collection of small clubs and taverns. The Birds stopped in Northampton on the tour. The group has also played in various venues in Boston and Cambridge, Mass. Following Thursday night’s show in Northampton, the band will head east to play in Cambridge at TT the Bear’s, before closing out their tour at Event’s Barn in Clinton, N.Y.

Arguably the best part of their work is not the soft melodies or the message that the lyrics send, but the band’s use of unconventional instruments. Laced throughout the album, Tacular meddles on her accordion, while Paulson explores the wonders of his fiddle.

“Horse” also garnered attention from executives at the indie-folk album label Dead Oceans. In the winter of 2008, the trio signed with the label, who re-released both their debut EP as well as “Hymns for a Dark Horse.” In 2009, after the extensive United States tour, the Bowerbirds released the full-length record entitled “Upper Air.”

“Upper Air” holds a more mature, more personal lyrical set. The songs focus not just on the observations of the world around them, but also install a deeper personal voice and emotion in the lyrics. Moore’s voice presents itself again in a nostalgic and wistful way, as Tacular’s voice complements him on the tracks in a haunting, yet beautiful essence. The album is simple and abstract, a perfect album to listen to while relaxing. In particular, “House of Diamonds” and “Northern Lights” stick out as must-listen to components on the album.

One of the many great quirks of the Bowerbirds is that they are consistently adding new members to their live tour, whether it be old friends or musicians from the opening acts. On the spring 2009 tour, the Birds added Matt Damron to play drums on the Midwest leg of their tour. Later in the summer of that same year, the Birds welcomed Megafaun’s Brad Cook to play upright bass with them for some shows. Not many bands can smoothly welcome a new player into their entire set, but the Birds make this look easy.

The Bowerbirds are the embodiment of all things artsy. Moore and Tacular reside in an eco-friendly house. Moore considers himself to be a songwriter and poet. Tacular is originally a visually artist and in known to draw and create anything on any type of medium. Tacular is behind the band’s webpage artwork and design, and frequently updates the band’s blog whether on or off tour.

The blog is a fascinating part of the band’s presence and interaction with their fans. Updated with concert locations, shout-outs to various DJ’s, updates on nature and animals, as well as a “Name That Beard” contest, the Bowerbirds are truly a unique collection of individuals. Whether it be the music or just on the side, the Birds blend eccentricity with natural vibes the create excitement while soothing the listener at the same time.

On Thursday Oct. 14, the Bowerbirds will perform at the Iron Horse in Northampton at 8:30 p.m. Sharon Van is the opening act. Tickets are $13.00 at the door.

Ashley Berger can be reached at [email protected].

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