New World, The

8th album from the Austin-based indie rock band led by multi-instrumentalist and lead singer, Jonathan Meiburg. Shearwater was founded in 1999 as a side project of Meiburg’s and co-founder, Will Sheff’s, Okkervil River. Shearwater’s vibe features cerebral and introspective lyrics woven within otherworldly, often high-drama, theatrical soundscapes. Meiburg assembled a wide array of guest performers to join the band on this album and incorporated field recordings from his travels for his other passions — from writing books on falcons in South America to taking research expeditions to Antarctica. RIYL: Midlake, The Decemberists, Great Lake Swimmers, Okkervil River.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 7, 4, 2, 9. No FCCs noted.

1. (3:53) Even Song — Gentle piano intro. Remains quiet throughout, with one-two strummed guitar, Meiburg’s quavering vocals and layers of noise and effects producing a propulsive energy. Segues into track 2.
2. (4:10) More And More — Slinky blues groove, with piano and floating, mesmerizing clarinet. Cello, mellotron, and church bells plus blackbirds from Berlin are added. ***
3. (4:23) Daydream Unbeliever — Starts softly and stately with pristine piano and nearly imperceptible organ drone before building into an anthem with soaring orchestral arpeggios. A dog barks at the end. ****
4. (5:17) A Mink In The Dusk — Built on an intricate, exotic rhythm created by three musicians from Mali’s Ngoni Ba. Freeform jazzy. Bass, guitar, piano and woodwinds — the latter of which imitates birdsong at times. ****
5. (4:36) The Only Sound I’m Afraid Of — Anticipation builds across a drawn-out piano and guitar opening platform, laced with the sounds of Tasmanian ravens. Ultimately reaches an intense climax of guitar and vocals reminiscent of the Who.
6. (6:20) The High Ranges — Playful piano signatures and drifting vocals with haunting harmonies. Simple rhythm with some added layers from Ngoni Ba. Saxophone solo on the back end.
7. (3:43) Slugs In The Marigolds — Slow fade in. Becomes light and bouncy pop with Meiburg’s confident, lilting vocals playing off against soulful saxophone figures. Segues on field effects into track 8. ****
8. (5:33) Anamnesia — Slow and slogging, with spare instrumentation of piano and guitar in a minor key. Ticking rhythm with wistful vocals. Woodwinds are added toward the end. Long, meandering trail-out.
9. (7:03) You And Your Dog (Feat. Laurie Anderson) — Crystalline, chime-y piano and clarinet blended into an experimental piece, with spoken-word ‘vocals’ by guest artist, Laurie Anderson. A lovely, unexpected melancholic closer, which reflects on the little things that make us human. ***