Austin's Shearwater return with a hugely ambitous followup to Palo Santo. Rook meditates on man's intersection with the natural world: the hunter and the prey; the extinction of species; the world after human beings are gone. On a wider level, the vivid images of animals and landscapes act as a metaphor for human relationships, a dark fairy tale incased in a cycle of songs.

Jonathan Meiburg's bold, soaring voice, occasionally falsetto, still anchors the songs, which broadens his pastoral prog-folk chaotic celestial mind-bending into new realms. Beyond the continuing touchstones of late Talk Talk, Nico and John Cale, there are now allusions to Van Morrison, hints of Joni Mitchell. All this is set in a newly lush sonic gorgeousness of harp, strings, and woodwinds atop the magnificent rhythm section of Thor Harris and Kim Burke.

"Frontman Jonathan Meiburg has the finest voice of anyone making music today and his songs are absolutely magical." - NPR

"...the album's sonics come to life on LP. The soundstage is wide and deep, offering a clear separation between countless instruments, while keeping the focus on Meiburg's emotive vocals." - Andy Downing, September 2008 issue of the Absolute Sound

Features:
• 180g Vinyl
• Includes MP3 coupon
• Stoughton gatefold jacket
• One extra track

Track Listing
1. On the Death of the Waters
2. Rooks
3. Leviathan, Bound
4. Home Life
5. Lost Boys
6. Century Eyes
7. I Was a Cloud
8. South Col
9. The Snow Leopard
10. The Hunter's Star
11. North Col