Album: Bowerbirds, Hymns for a Dark Horse (Dead Oceans)

They come from North Carolina and sing round-the-campfire folk. Their songs unabashedly contain lyrics such as "It takes a lot of nerve to destroy this wondrous earth" and they are currently on tour with the lovely Bon Iver, with whom they share an entirely organic charm. But what's this in the "thank yous", hidden among sentiments such as "[this album is] dedicated to what still remains wild, on the earth, and inside us"? "Thanks to JD for taking us for a ride on his private jet." If that's not the modern dichotomy summed up in a sleevenote, then what is? You'll forgive them as you sing along, though.

Pick of the Album: The impossible-not-to-join-in 'In Our Talons'