Now, this is a pleasant surprise. I have not been previously introduced to Declan de Barra or previous outfits (Clann Zu and Non Intentional Lifeform). So, there are no expectations for Song of a Thousand Birds, his first solo effort. The promotional CD (which gives no real liner notes or in depth information or artwork that may or may not be in the actual packaging for the record) likens Mr. de Barra to bands and or individual musicians that I care nothing for (save Nick Cave). Thankfully, I did not pay any real attention to this as I put the record in the CD player.
Song of a Thousand Birds is an album full of the soaring vocals of Declan de Barra. His vocal range is impressive and the arrangements take advantage of his abilities. The relaxing atmospheres that the music conjures are a nice change of pace for me personally. Lyrically, de Barra makes use of some fairly powerful and evocative imagery. "
We'll pay in our blood; we'll pay in our tears for the rent on our own land you control through fear
" from "Song of a Thousand Birds" is a good example of the manner in which de Barra marries these lyrics with the vocal and arrangement musical arrangements to create powerful images in his music.
"Blackbird Song" has some excellent vocal gymnastics. De Barra has a strong set of pipes. The brief cello parts in "Apple Tree" give a nice backdrop to the vocals. "Slow Dissolve" is super mellow. It is even keeled from start to right before the finish where the emotional level of the music pitches to a distinct climax; the song toes the line of being sad sounding without quite getting there. The lyrics in "Three Days from Now" with lines like "This is our last chance to leave here, fresh snow will cover our trail (or tracks
I cannot quite make out the line)". The imagery is rather striking.
It has been quite a long while since I was surprised by a vocal performance on record. Declan de Barra shows off his abilities on Song of a Thousand Birds without being over the top. The music and instrumentation are less impressive, but that might be because of my reaction to de Barra's voice. There is a lack of any memorable hooks, but there is a ton of potential. The album is solid, and I will be paying attention for future records from de Barra after hearing this.
