Album Review: Birds Of Tokyo - March Fires

The lead single from March Fires, titled Lanterns, helps to set the reflective tone of Birds Of Tokyo's latest album. The lyrics – “On we march with a midnight song/We will light our way with our lanterns on” – tell of embarking on a journey.

The melodies throughout the album are dictated by the drums, especially on This Fire, When The Night Falls Quiet and White Leaves. However, it is the haunting conviction with which lead singer Ian Kenny sings – whether singing about relationships (Liquid Arms) or the state of the world (This Fire) – that sets this album apart. Lyrics such as “Don't spend your last day waiting, feeling you're the only one” (When The Night Falls Quiet) and “Resist temptation to forget what you changed/The best part of you” (Sirin) are extremely relatable for the listener.

March Fires is an album that utilises light and shade, with the anger of This Fire and the sorrow of Boy offering striking contrasts. Standout track Liquid Arms also brings a delicate moment. Including two instrumental tracks, Motionless and Blume, works well since we're given time to reflect on Kenny's words from previous songs. Another standout moment on the album is the hymn-like quality towards the end of White Leaves, which is unexpected and facilitates a pleasing change of pace.

Ultimately, March Fires is a dynamic album full of thoughtful lyrics. It can only be described as quintessential Birds Of Tokyo.