Woodpigeon: Thumbtacks + Glue

    I've been scraping the bottom of the barrel time wise lately. This is why I haven't made a post in more than a couple of weeks. It is not my intention to let this project go, it just won't get the attention I'd like to give to it. Sorry. I don't know why it seems I always have to give an explanation for my absence, but I'm sure you get why and find it as useless as I do too.
    Anyway, the band I chose I've had stored up for a while: Woodpigeon. Nothing too glamorous or earth shattering here, just nice songwriting. Semi-folk, semi alternative, with layered voices and Scottish/Canadian sensibilities. Besides a mountain of EP's, this is their 4th full album, Thumbtacks + Glue (February 2013),--behind Songbook (2006), Treasury Library Canada (2008) and Die Stadt Muzikanten (2010)--and is a mostly gentle mix between folk and that alternative grungy sounding guitar where you can hear all the strings being strung. It also reminds me of some of the bands it has toured with or has been described as similar to: Grizzly Bear, Simon & Garfunkel and Sufjan Stevens. The main frontman of Woodpigeon, is Mark Andrew Hamilton. Of the indie rock collective's name (Woodpigeon), made up of several friends, Mark said: "I've always been in love with the word Woodpigeon for as long as I can remember. When you write it in cursive, it looks like a rollercoaster". Hamilton is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. He had a band there called Woodpigeon Divided By Antelope Equals Squirrel, but it was shortened after he moved to Calgary. His former act consisted mainly of street performances and little vocals as he was afraid to sing. I find his voice doesn't exude strength or confidence, but it is not unpleasant to listen to. It is soothing at least, if not quit on par with the likes of Andrew Bird or Sufjan Stevens.
    Thumbtacks + Glue has a number of really nice songs. I particularly like "Children Should be Seen and Not Heard", maybe more because it references Arrested Development? But really, it has an interesting drum beat yet repetitive nature, though evolves nicely. The synth underneath is what really makes it for me. You'll hear it at the very end of the song more distinctly as well. That is followed up by a very soft and dream-like song, with female vocals that are whispy and simplistic. I also like the second to last song, "Hermit", because as a brass player I enjoy most any use of the noblest of all instruments, the french horn. The final, and title song, is also a nice warm down, with a slew of interesting sounds thrown in, like pizzicato strings. It's like psychedelic sleep music.
    I have linked the song, "Children Must be Heard and Not Seen" over under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks', because it is what really drew me into Woodpigeon, beyond just the first few songs which didn't quite capture me fully yet. Make your own decision, check out their Bandcamp site, here. Behind every good indie band there is a Bandcamp! Hope you enjoy!