THE GOLDEN ARCHIPELAGO

Closing the loop on the island arc in grand fashion, SHEARWATER's "The Golden Archipelago" strikes the center circle surrounded but never dominated by the alternate attractions and repulsions of crossover, post rock and prog folk, and is even more glorious than that sounds. It isn't quite flawless, as the less than imperfect "Corridors" attests, but the majesty of "Black Eyes", the propulsion of "Landscape at Speed", the hypnotism of "Hidden Lakes" (with overtones of NORTH SEA RADIO ORCHESTRA), the dignity of "An Insular Life", and the growing qualities of most everything else more than adequately compensate.

Jonathan Meiburg has navigated the challenge of growing with his own facets as well as those of fellow members, to the point where his vocals could be described as formidable and versatile, concepts hitherto unimaginable, and as always the arrangements elevate the experience. Even the bonus cuts, particularly "Anak Renata", are essential listening.

This might not be the most deserving 5 star rating I've allocated, but it epitomizes the "whole greater than the sum of its parts" project, and glitters with ingenious modesty.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to kenethlevine
• Report this review (#3198960)
• Buy SHEARWATER music online with PA partners
• Show all SHEARWATER MP3/Stream
• Go to SHEARWATER page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Golden Archipelago page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SHEARWATER related discussions