The Wooden Birds - Two Matchsticks

Andrew Kenny is a bit of a hero of mine...well, more than a bit. As the main man behind American Analog Set, one of the best US bands in recent memory and also one of my favourites, he's been a creative force for the best part of the last two decades. With AmAnSet on an indefinite hiatus/having split up (curse you!) Kenny launched The Wooden Birds with debut Magnolia in 2009, and has followed it up with Two Matchsticks.

It's essentially a solo project, and a more acoustic-based approach to the songs compared with AmAnSet's synth drone and layered slowcore sound. He's helped along by Matt Pond PA, Leslie Sisson - a former AmAnSet collaborator and fully-fledged Wooden Bird -and Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard, and they help flesh out the songs from their basic beginnings. Still, the opening salvo of 'Folly Club' and 'Two Matchsticks' are stripped down to acoustic and electric guitar with the rhythm drummed out on the body of the guitar. The latter is a particular treat, its driving groove and gentle harmonies shining through and touching on Kenny's former band. Indeed, add some electronics and it could have easily been a cast-off from AmAnSet's later work.

'Cross My Heart' and 'Criminals Win' continue the gentle approach, but click and groove in the most charming way, and 'Company Time' stands out thanks to the duet between Kenny and Sisson. Leslie Sisson is then given time in the spotlight by taking the lead on 'Baby Jeans' which skips and buzzes delightfully.

There are other great moments such as 'Too Pretty to Say Please' which tells the tale of a partner who's never quite satisfied, and the romantic 'Be No Lie' on which Matt Pond provides lovely counterpoint vocals. The record ends on a sincere cover of Hall & Oats' 'Maneater', enjoyable but not surpassing anything that's come before.

Two Matchsticks proves that Andrew Kenny still has the talent to produce engaging, charming and enjoyable records. I'm not going to lie and say it's better than American Analog Set, but I'm thankful that he's still making music.

The Wooden Birds - "Two Matchsticks" by orchardmktg