Magnolia

iTunes Review

Magnolia is the first release by the Wooden Birds, a band that includes two former members of American Analog Set, Andrew Kenney and Leslie Sisson. The sound is reminiscent of AmAnSet, though without any of the electronic touches, and the album has the same kind of quiet intensity found in the work of Iron & Wine or Bon Iver. Magnolia is a mellow set of hushed songs that are filled out by the sweet harmonies of Sisson, some minimalist percussion (mostly maracas), straight-forward bass lines, and repetitive acoustic guitar shapes. The sparse arrangements and organic, stripped-down approach give the album a consistency that works to its advantage thanks to the interesting lyrics and the warmth of Kenney’s voice which draw listeners in close to these simple, pretty songs with soul. This new band may not be a new direction for Kenney, but it’s probable that most of his fans won’t mind this a bit.