Weather Systems

Andrew Bird first rose to semiprominence as the violinist for the neo-traditionalist Squirrel Nut Zippers, and his own band, Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire, spent three albums exploring a similarly expansive palette of 20th-century American music. All this makes Bird’s first solo jaunt a relative surprise, albeit a damn nice one. It’s a moody, atmospheric album that takes the focus off of Bird’s ability to revitalize a broad range of aging musical styles and puts it squarely on his impressive chops as an affecting singer-songwriter. Guitars, violins, and a foreboding rhythm stalk through the relentlessly dark and bluesy “I.” There’s a breezier feel to the instrumental “Skin,” where a flatulent organ gives a nice low-end punch to the playful string section. Bird doesn’t really force himself on us as a singer, but his voice comes across with a quiet authority. “I’m in a lull,” he sings on “Lull,” harmonizing with vocalist Nora O’Connor, while plucking out a gentle melody on a violin. If so, it’s one hell of a lull.