Liverpool ‘s musical renaissance continues aplenty with the recent emergence of Stealing Sheep and a thriving local live music scene to rival Manchester. One of the latest talents to emerge is the three piece band Bird, who comprise of Adele Emmas (singer, songwriter), Sian Williams (guitar, harmonies) and Alexis Samata (drums). Their press release talks of them creating dark, haunting, atmospheric music, which will entice you into their magical, other worldly universe.
The trio formed after bumping into each other at a local gig one evening, and bonded over a mutual love for artists such as Leonard Cohen, Kate Bush, The Cocteau Twins and Fleetwood Mac with the first fruits of their labour being the EP Phantoms which was released late last year. After building up a large, loyal fan base in their home town of Liverpool and other areas of the UK they are now set to release their second EP, Shadows, on the Jack To Phono label.
The cover of Shadows speaks volumes about the contents that lie within as it features a dark raven swishing though a moonlit forest, and sure, they certainly do have a feel for the dramatic in these five tracks, which all touch upon a magical folk tinged gothic atmosphere. However this has more in common with the Dickensian world of Miss Havisham than any emo-type influence. The songs themselves are less skewed in their folk style then Stealing Sheep and are backed with lush plucked acoustic guitars and strong dramatic tribal drumming.
Dark lyrical themes are prevalent throughout the EP with images of ghostly ships and shadows and songs such as ‘I Am Mountain’ and the lead track ‘Shadows’ all touching upon the mythology of the elements. It’s no surprise then that they cite Kate Bush as an influence as the beautiful keening female vocals do rekindle fond memories.
Overall this is an enticing EP further developing their sound and repertoire. They may need to consider expanding their themes lyrically in the future, but for now this is a very satisfying EP and suggests bright things ahead.
Release Date 27/08/2012 (Jack to Phono)
Overgrown indie kid with a penchant for americana, psych and weird folk.
