Merge, 2005
Birds Make Good Neighbors, the latest -- and second -- full-length from the four-piece (one married duo, Kelly Crisp and Ivan Howard, and two more, Lee Waters and Wes Phillips) The Rosebuds, is an entrancing pop album in a tried-and-true style that this North Carolina band has adopted as their own -- and with the utmost of skill. This is evidenced across the eleven tracks of Birds Make Good Neighbors, none of which succumb to the various pitfalls of musicianship; The Rosebuds exercise precision in their pacing and timing while managing to maintain the coveted element of near unpredictability.
From track to track, The Rosebuds craft a sort of imagery that supports some larger theme -- though not with much rush to it; such a theme appears that it was not the most important factor in the creation of Birds Make Good Neighbors. Rather, it appears to be a stylistic constant that the band strives for, and with much success. From the opening track, "Hold Hands and Fight," the slightly whimsical atmosphere The Rosebuds seem to intend to create takes hold in Birds Make Good Neighbors, and is strongly supported by jangly guitars, bouncy stand-up bass, and the combined vocals of the married couple, Crisp and Howard.
The upbeat-but-not-bubbly feeling Birds Make Good Neighbors embodies lends itself well to the group's aims -- and with great success. At times hypnotic and always interesting, it is, from start to finish, an outstanding album.