Birds In The Woods, iTunes download (16/01/10)

Boston’s answer to The Dave Matthews Band (though don’t hold that against them), Birds In The Wood are a tricky lot to pigeon hole. Their debut album, Some Thing Knew? sees huge funk riffs giving way to broody soulful moments before a swift duck and dive leaves the listener in Jam Band Labrinyth.

While the septet flirt with brilliance, particularly on the opener, The River (an insidiously catchy tune with a cracking brass section and soulful inflected, breathy vocals that won’t wander far from your lips or your bouncing toes) the album ultimately gives way to an altogether folksier feel on the violin-lead subsequent tracks like Jerry Says.

Diversity like this is no bad thing and certainly proves BITW are accomplished musicians. Some bands manage to gain near-universal appeal playing an assortment of genres; others need to find a sound to call their own. Different strokes for different folks, but many will prefer their funk-laden moments than the more folk-rock ones.

The bulk of the album sounds very under-produced. While some would prefer that than it disappearing into Maroon 5 territory, the record is in need of a little production desk tinkering. Still, it’s their first full length release. Room for improvement is no bad thing.

In the age of identikit indie bands, Birds In The Woods are a refreshing break from the norm. Given budget and support comparable to those formulaic bands, we might see something special from them one day.

review: Tom Turnbull