The Clearing
by Bowerbirds
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Q Magazine
    Mar 14, 2012
    60
    Their rough edged-folk has been planed a little smoother, and a breakthrough seems feasible. [April 2012, p.90]
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 12, 2012
    60
    Their songs on this, their third record, are more expansive, bolder and stranger than those that have come before.
  3. Under The Radar
    Mar 7, 2012
    60
    The Clearing is as pleasant as their previous work, but suffers from a nagging case of diminishing returns.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Mar 5, 2012
    60
    Their third album feels singular, apart from its predecessors in spirit, for better and worse.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 12, 2012
    50
    The Clearing is nothing if not the sound of a band discovering a new home, musically, emotionally, and physically. The sound is far bigger than either of the previous fingerpicking-heavy records.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. transparence
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    Great masterwork. Je suis stupéfait de tomber sur une oeuvre de ce niveau (pop alternative à tendance folk), un peu comme l'incroyable "AGreat masterwork. Je suis stupéfait de tomber sur une oeuvre de ce niveau (pop alternative à tendance folk), un peu comme l'incroyable "A Church..." de leurs collègues Lost in the Trees. Du grand art. Tout y est : richesse des compositions, recherche d'accompagnement incroyable, richesse vocale. Tout est bon, rien à jeter. Travail de très haute qualité. Mérite de devenir une référence. Un seul regret : des passages plus bruyants (je suis alergique notamment aux guitares électriques). Il pouvaient en rester aux sonorités plus acoustiques des Cds précédents.… Full Review »
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Mar 31, 2012
    6
    Recorded in Justin Vernon's studio, third album of Bowerbirds - "The Clearing" is somewhat the essence of folk. We can find a carefree, butRecorded in Justin Vernon's studio, third album of Bowerbirds - "The Clearing" is somewhat the essence of folk. We can find a carefree, but also pathetic "Tuck In The Darkness", "In the Yard" - referring to the recent doings of Bon Iver, or purely acoustic "Walk the Furrows". Components of the songs such as the bridges in the "Brave World" at times did not stick to the main axis, thereupon listener gets rather chaotic compositions. However, ignoring these minor shortcomings "The Clearing" can be stated as a good album.… Full Review »
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