We loved Kicking Birds debut album, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. It was well placed in our Best 100 Albums of 2023 (Review here). So, it is great to hear the follow up, released today. The Wilmington, North Carolina five piece, don't disappoint, not that we ever expected they would.
This is still Indie Rock, but the band's take on the genre is much wider than most others. The male / female vocal on different tracks still works, but there is something a little different this time round. 11 Short Fictions sounds a little more in your face. More Fuzz, more Guitar extravaganzas.
The intelligent quirky arrangements prevail, but there seems more urgency making them a little more Garage Rock at times and more than a little Psych. They haven't forgotten how key the chorus is, but there is a rip roaring urgency at times that completely grips you.
Amidst all the riffs and heavier Guitar, there is still beauty. The vocal performance of Shaylah Paul on Too Much Talking sounds very 60s chanteuse and the arrangement is wonderful. The Guitar almost talks to you at times. Good Company is also more straight ahead, almost Noo Yawk Classic Rock.
What Did You Expect (From Such A Beautiful Wife) is almost Power Pop.But is the noisier material that grabs you post.Good Lighting is wonderful Psych, a sweet vocal that battles with a wonderful Psychedelic blast off.
Cinnamon is pure street Garage Rock. Album 2 is more intense than the debut, but has lost none of its charm, it just wants you to rock a bit more. Intelligent Guitar Noise may describe the album most, but that is just the thing to liven up your proceedings.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You can buy yhe Vinyl Edition on Fort Lowell Records here.
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