French hardcore band Birds in Row have been around for a little while now, and their new album Gris Klein, really shows it. The instrumentation feels tight, and is the kind of sound only veterans of the genre can produce. I really like this album, from its fast and punchy tracks to the slow and methodical ones, they all feel fantastic. The album also has a wonderful message that goes along with it, the idea that you are not alone in this world which is an important one in this day and age.
The entire album has a sense of melody, especially the first few tracks. Water Wings is probably the most melodic, while still having that hardcore punk sound. It also hammers in the empathetic themes of the album with lyrics such as “water wings sold like balloon shaped hopes” seeming to imply that the current state of the world has taken a toll on everyone, that we all have each other to confide in. The theme of the track Noah is about how money can’t fix everything using things like grief and heartbreak as examples. Interestingly the track compares this idea with Noah’s ark, essentially saying that you can use your money to float above your hardships, but you’re still surrounded by flood, unable to do anything about your problems but confront them. Track eight Trompe L’oeil is an interesting one, being the slowest on the album. The beginning of the track moves away from hardcore punk and delving more into an indie rock sound. I think it fits the band really well, with slow but energetic guitars and well paced drums. The lyrics in this track touch more on mental health and the feeling of loneliness, which is an important subject to tackle.
This whole album is extremely well put together, with every song helping form the feeling of the album. It feels like there is no filler on this album, I think every track is notable. This is an album I would put on during a road trip when it’s a sunny day outside and the top is down in my theoretical car. While not a particularly happy sounding album, it has a certain energy that just gets me feeling hopeful, and if something can get me hopeful, then it’s something I like.
(8.5/10 Dexter Grahame)
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