It isn't that much fun in the North West Of England at the moment. What with all the flagpoles and Farage nonsense and musically I'm fully expecting a wave of Blag Rock wannabe Oasis bands sometime soon. Bizarrely most of these originate in America, but Indie is about to have another wave of music to wash the dishes to from home shores.
British Birds are a quartet from Chorley, a place not a million miles away from IDHAS Towers and they are incredibly inventive, proper Indie and this is their second album after a dissecting EP. Bobby Mambo, as songwriter and main vocalist is obviously the leader, but the female half of the band add another angle. They are here to save us from all the bland nonsense.
They remind me a lot of XTC in the first half of their career and there can be no greater compliment, yet when the ladies get involved, it also gets a little B52s. The songs are very angular, yet incredibly melodic and hypnotic. When the keys come in, it is New Wave time.
Silence Daedalus is an incredible listen. At times, a little New Wave, but at others Garage Psych. There are also plenty of surprises. Emma Townson, for instance, sings Mother Of Jeanne in French and the song also benefits from a killer instrumental track.
This Bin is a standout song and the best example of what they do, all rhythm and attitude. Whereas the debut album showed a slight Folk side to their material, this follow us concentrates far more on Guitar Pop, Quirkiness and male / female vocal interplay.
When you hear some of the mediocre sounds that flood in here, you appreciate the great even more and British Birds are wholeheartedly great. They come at songs from unusual angles that enhance their Indie credentials, but never forget how important the chorus can be. The fact that the album is available in all the influential Record Shops, yes there are still plenty, is a testament to how strong this album is.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl or as a download.
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