Bowers, The - Odds or Evens (Album)
Melbourne garage pop rockers The Bowers return with album number two, ‘Odds or Evens’ in tow. Formerly known as The Bowerbirds, the four-piece had to change their name due to another band working under that title in the U.S. ‘Odds or Evens’ is a treat full of catchy and grungy pop songs that work well together without sounding the same.
It’s brilliantly recorded, the production is magnificent for a local and semi-underground band. Interestingly, the follow up to their debut album ‘Her Night’, was recorded in a vineyard in Voctoria. Equally impressive is Liam Linley’s vocals. For a man of only 20, his vocal abilities are pretty darn impressive. And when put ontop of extremely sound musicianship from his fellow bandmates, it makes this album an ultimately impressive one. The standout tracks are plentiful and there’s minimal misses, so in essence, it's “all killer, no filler”.
The album begins with the rockabilly ‘Time is Mine’, which from the get go oozes with old-school chunky guitar riffs and scratchy vocals eerily similar of a by gone era. It’s fast paced and never stops being entertaining. The first time I listened I replayed the song three times before I managed to force myself to listen to the rest of the disc. I must say I’m glad I did make myself listen to the rest of the release. The other tracks continue in the same fine form as the opener. Next up, the same slightly distorted and country rock twang guitar continues on ‘Going To Love Me Now’ and also sees Linley’s vocal range on show. From the aforementioned scratchiness of the verses to high pitched notes in the choruses. The drums are on show here as well and the track has plenty of variety to keep your attention.
Halfway through the release lies the album’s peak, ‘Lay the Marigolds’. Hooks’a’plenty and equal parts catchy chorus. The very next track takes the upbeat tempo down slightly with ‘Why Don’t You Rate Me?’. Behind it’s initial charm is some pretty heartfelt lyrics dealing with rejection, most likely from the opposite sex I would hazard a guess at.
The most heartfelt song is ‘Orange Peel Mouthguard’ which gives a haunting recount of childhood memories through a child's view of the world growing up. It’s hard to say whether a death is the cause of the song being written, however it is laced with an underlying sadness, yet also remains a very beautiful and touching song. It is very different to the other songs on the album, but it still doesn’t seem out of place. The recording of the song is sublime, the vocal reflection techniques are something really special.
There is plenty of other highlights, but too many to mention, especially when ‘Odds or Even’s is just so even (pun intended). If you’re into rock music you should find this one hard not to enjoy, and even fans of straight up pop music should find it accessible enough. It’s a pretty grand sophomore effort from some very young local lads. Unfortunately it probably won’t get the attention that it definitely deserves.
