Birdwatching - Leaving Sounds

Birdwatching

​Leaving Sounds
self-released; 2016

​3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

For about a year now James Soares (percussion), Andrea Neuenfeldt (vocals/bass) and Alex Zaniboni (guitar/vocals) have been making music in their band Birdwatching and have already released a four-song EP entitled Leaving Sounds. As you might guess the band in this stage is still developing and finding their sound but the EP does showcase some potential.

These songs are all about the vocal melody and lyrics. They not only fill up the measures with a lot of words but also stray away from any solos. Take for instance the opener. The music is pleasant enough relying on a distorted guitar, bass and some technical impressive drum work. Lyrically, the song is inventive and original. They sing “Movie makers projecting visions on silver screens and speakers, it's not the industry that's failed you / Don't be settled with films about dinosaurs and other 20th century impressions of other worlds.” The song has a lot of explosive energy that is largely handed to the drums but doesn’t have a clear hook.

The band has some fun with the classic song “video killed the radio star” by The Buggles. Their song entitled “Internet Killed the Video Store” is the arguable highlight. The song again feels explosive but lacks a hook that could make the song memorable. They establish a fun verse but fail to find a chorus. Instead the verse dribbles off before starting anew.

“League of Excellency” has more transitions and is more structured than the previous songs. There is more happening in terms of dynamics and interplay between the vocal. This song feels like a good foundation for the band.

“It Takes Two to Tangent” is a solid closer which showcases some talent. There are some catchy, repeated parts here such as when they sing, “I'd need a mint to stack my money.”

​Birdwatching certainly have some talent. As long as they continue upon this trajectory and continue to improve their songwriting I predict good things. Leaving Sounds is a solid start from a band that falls into the wait and see category.

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