Third in the "islands" trilogy of concept albums, The Golden Archipelago shows listeners that the album format is alive and well. At just 38mins long though, it's still not enough time as I could listen to Jonathan Meiburg's voice all day long.
Veering from a whispered croon to operatic holler, Meiburg's vocal variations are mirrored in the music. Gentle glockenspiel, brushed drums and bowed strings (the delightful Hidden Lakes) make way for thunderous, percussive rock (Corridors, a stirring song about prison islands), which in turn fades away to touching balladry (An Insular Life).
Shearwater's baroque pop works incredibly well live, with Thor Harris' percussion almost stealing the show. They're surprisingly muscular, and incredibly controlled in their quiet/loud switches. Twice I've seen them play in Glasgow, and both times it was a breathtaking experience.
However, the tranquil beauty contained in the album makes itself known over repeated listening, each sutble moment and nuance revealing itself slowly over time.
It's a unique album inasmuch as it's the perfect headphones record that still has the power to stun when played by the band right in front of you.
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