Having a lifelong career in music writing, and performance, will at times lead to a number of shifts and movements in not only inspirations, but also creative output. Andrew Bird fits into this category, from a child prodigy violin virtuoso, to a reputable indie-folk singer-songwriter for the past decade. Dispensing of the history lesson, let’s get down to his brand new release Hands Of Glory. It is a companion to his late 2011 album Break It Yourself.
Immediately Three White Horses almost grabs you like the Fleet Foxes debut did when you first heard White Winter Hymnal. Starting off with a pulsing bassline, Andrew’s melodic vocal and uneasy lyrics sink into your eardrums, as does the haunting slide guitar. The violin and guitar also marry together nicely in the following number, When The Helicopters Come which is treading the line of more traditional country music, or Americana if you will.
This continues on Spirograph and Railroad Bill, although the latter has a bit more of a good ol’ throwdown hoedown feel, made all the more effective by some clearly adlib yee-ha’s. Mr Bird’s violin playing is champion in Something Biblical, If I Needed You and Orpheo, but by this point it’s also obvious there is some pretty inspired instrument choices, vocal treatments and techniques going on across the board in the production room.
Epic album closer Beyond The Valley Of The Three White Horses returns to the opening track in more than just name, however this time your internal funny bits get squeezed for nine whole minutes as things get taken to the next level. Atmospheric panning, delayed guitar loops, layered with violin squeals, and sealed with a very effective intro / outro vocal.
BY SCOTT NICOLSON
Best Track: Beyond The Valley Of The Three White Horses
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Fleet Foxes FLEET FOXES, Sings Greatest Palace Music BONNIE PRINCE BILLY, Black River Killer EP BLITZEN TRAPPER
In A Word: Hank
