July 7 releases to check out: Bowerbirds, Discovery, Those Darlins

Since I have a bit more time on my hands I’m going to try posting some music stuff besides just when I have new stuff published…I don’t know how long it will last.

Bowerbirds – Upper Air (Dead Oceans) (Bowerbirds’ MySpace)
Whenever anyone asks me what Bowerbirds sound like, my enthusiastic, gushing response is always, “Oh my god, they are soooo beeeauuutiful!!” But I suppose that doesn’t say too much, does it? They’re a folky acoustic duo from North Carolina that use an accordion, bass drum (drumline-style, but on the floor), and various other instruments, and the lyrics have lots of nature-y metaphors and imagery (In “Crooked Lust,” Phil Moore sings, “My conscience is an avalanche, majestic, bewildering and wholly careless”). Upper Air isn’t incredibly different from their self-titled debut album, but it’s just as good, which definitely is enough for me.

Listen: “Beneath Your Tree” [MP3], “Northern Lights” [MP3]

Discovery – LP (XL Recordings) (Discovery’s MySpace)

This album was soooo not what I expected and I think that’s why I wasn’t sure if I liked it after the first listen. The band is Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles from Ra Ra Riot (with guest appearances from the Dirty Projectors’ Angel Deradoorian and VW’s Ezra Koenig), so I was slightly surprised to hear a bunch of R&B/electro-pop by way of tons of synths. (Looking back at the press release, I should have noticed the warning of, “It’s quite different from either band, so listen to it with an open mind.” Oops.) “Osaka Loop Line” kinda reminds me of the Postal Service, and now the band’s cover of the Jackson 5′s “I Want You Back” is a bit more relevant. I’m not totally into every track, but overall it’s a great dance album.

Listen: “Orange Shirt” [MP3]

Those Darlins – s/t (Oh Wow Dang) (Those Darlins’ MySpace)

I generally am not a fan of country music but, like I said a couple posts ago, these gals are awesome enough to change my mind for a little bit. Some tracks have more of a classic rock sound, but most are rooted in Americana/country. The lyrics are fun and it’s clear that they like to drink a lot—whether it’s getting drunk and eating chicken (“The Whole Damn Thing”) or getting started at half-past noon (“Glass To You”). It’s also pretty impressive that the band is releasing its debut album on its own label (read my story about that here).

Listen: “Red Light Love” [MP3]