Birds Of TokyoBirds Of Tokyo are certainly not a part of the modern Aussie prog rock fraternity, even though their frontman Ian Kenny is also the singer of one of the premier acts in that scene. However, in their own way, they’re as progressive as just about anyone.
They're progressive in that they push their own boundaries constantly, never repeat themselves and always do the unexpected. The sheer contrast between their last two records is a case in point. Brace was unquestionably the darkest, heaviest moment of their career - musically, lyrically and thematically. Now, four years later, they show up with Human Design, yet another neck-snapping turn to the left. This could be their poppiest record to date. It is laden with acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, gospel-tinged vocals, sweet, singalong songs and a general ‘easy on the ear’ aesthetic.
Human Design is low-key but highly uplifting at the same time. Every track is a highly accessible call to arms, crafted with imagination and delivered with authentic, heartfelt emotion, all embodied in the voice and lyrics of Kenny. He is in far more personal, introspective form here. Check out When Home Calls, where he clearly and concisely laments his ridiculously busy life keeping him away from his family.
And it all comes together in exhilarating fashion with the inspiring twin-barrelled finale of Unbreakable and Never Going Back.
Over a decade and a half and six albums into their career, Perth’s mighty Birds remain a challenging but highly rewarding listening experience.
