Auburn, Maine-based collective The Nightbirds unleash a raw, climactic rock sound on ART., their newly released album. Recorded in a basement indie studio (Ashpool Studios), the record revels in gritty momentum and gripping structural build-ups. The group bridges post-punk urgency and emotional vulnerability, channeling the confrontational spirit of icons like Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu, in addition to names like Jon Spencer and Smashing Pumpkins.
“2000 Miles” opens the album in rousing form, its debonair vocal emergence quickly shifting into a punk-ready vigor as the guitar pulses accelerate amidst hectic percussion. “I can feel your love, 2000 miles away,” the feverish vocals continue; the opener is ceaseless and contagious in its energetic disposition, wasting no time in delivering a no-frills, excitable power. “WOOF” comes next and continues the hard-rocking ardor, here channeling a pulsing, head-nodding allure as “can’t pay the rent” laments accompany the sturdy mix. Twanging, suave guitar work enters the final minute with especially satiating impact as wordless vocal passion lingers into the affirming conclusion.
Another standout track, “Ally” showcases the project’s commendable tonal range over an enthralling 7 minutes. Lyrical perspectives on protest mentality and personal ideals compel into a “you were so wise” distortion-laden passion, unfolding with dynamic flair in switching between jangling, spacious intrigue and more erupting raucousness. The track’s midpoint envelops especially in its synth incorporations and “and you’re all alone” vocal intensity, driving into a thrilling second half with scorching, free-flowing guitar work. From the initial introspective subduedness of “Augusta” to hard-rocking epic “Ally,” ART. presents a thoroughly accomplished, riveting sound from The Nightbirds.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
