Shearwater's sound and songs are built to leave you pondering cosmic questions or perhaps just listening with eyes closed, swaying with their sometimes symphonic rhythms. The band's name evokes images of wilderness and mystery -- their album art brings those images to life in beautiful form. Birds, trees and the sea are recurring themes, which give the listener a more complete experience and demand attention. Shearwater is devoted to creating work that is authentic and whole, and so, so enjoyable. Perhaps Shearwater -- which released its ninth album this year, titled "Animal Joy," -- is not only a feast for both the lyric lover and the sound fanatic, but also for those that like having something beautiful to visualize as well -- if only in the imagination.
All photos by Louis Kwok.
