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It has only been sixteen months since they released their debut album “Day One”. That same year Rolling Stone magazine announced the “Birds of Tokyo” would be the band to watch in 2007. Now in 2008 they release their second studio album “Universes”. Adam Spark (Guitarist, songwriter) was asked “Why did you release and album so soon after your first release” the response? “If it’s good enough for The Beatles and Johnny Cash to release a couple of albums a year, then it is good enough for us”. Who can argue with that?
The eleven track album starts with an instrumental introduction on “Uno”, before launching straight into the heavier and very infectious “Broken Bones”. The first single of the album "Silhouettic" is possibly the heaviest track on the album, consisting of a quick guitar intro before vocalist Ian Kenny takes charge, a similar format is used on “Wild Eye Boy” and “An Ode To Death”, where guitarist Sparks (who is also the producer of the album) gets to show off his skills. While “White Witch” begins with a sharp drum beat to produce an Iggy Pop feel. Each track is well constructed and executed and most importantly they are not overproduced, which can be a common trait among up and coming Australian groups once they are unleashed into a recording studio, anyone remember Jet?
One of the key strengths of this group is Kenny’s vocals, commanding, raw and lend an emotional depth to each song. Where this album stands apart from the rest are the final three tracks. The almost epic track “The Baker’s Son”, moves effortlessly from rock track to ballad, and at six and a half minute’s long holds you right to the very last note. “Train Wrecks” has a Coldplay influence with its haunting guitar tones. However the definite highlight of the album is the final track “Medicine”. Luring you in with an acoustic guitar and piano, before being joined by Kenny on vocals, once again proving that his vocal range extends past the standard rock tone’s you would expect.
Birds of Tokyo are an independent Australian group, who are proving that with a love of writing great songs you are able to create an album that will be commercially viable, without compromising on the vision for the album. The boys from Perth have offered up a fresh, innovative and addictive sound on their second album. This is a band that is full of confidence and know exactly what their strengths are.
Clocking in at just over forty minutes these 11 songs are Australia rock at its very best.
Review by Andrew Short |
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