Mind Equals Blown

A Lot Like Birds "Think Dirty Out Loud"

Doghouse Records

MEB Rating:

8.5

User Rating:

10

7 Ratings

After a few spins of A Lot Like Bird‘s new single, “Think Dirty Out Loud,” I couldn’t help but smile. Each listen, my big, stupid grin grew about four times larger.

For starters, the sound definitely ain’t what you were expecting (unless you read my ALLB show review). This song reads more like an eclectic Touche Amore or Caravels track than something from Dance Gavin Dance‘s library, largely due to the spotlight vocalist Cory Lockwood demands. His chaotic screams would sound right at home with any band falling into “the wave” subgenre of hardcore, and make for a great contrast to the schizophrenic guitar playing of Mikey Franzino and Ben Wiacek.

There will definitely be a learning curve for fans who came to hear Kurt Travis. As mentioned before, this track is anything but straightforward in structuring and approach, and Kurt picks his spots more than anything from DGD’s Happiness or self-titled efforts. Travis actually sings a much smaller percentage of the time than Lockwood, which makes his signature melodic parts shine brightly. Though most would say the singer/screamer combo plate has been played out for years, the way Lockwood and Travis co-exist, battle, and intertwine their parts works in an incredibly original and unique way. No pair of vocalists are as polarizing as individuals or as a duo.

To only praise the singers would be doing a disservice to the fantastic instrumentation here. Franzino and Wiacek’s guitar work is technical, bizarre, and well-placed throughout “Think Dirty Out Loud,” showing more creativity than the rest of the scene combined. I also have to commend Joe Arrington’s drumming; I can’t imagine trying to add rhythms to the insanity these musicians are known for, but he flawlessly adds a sturdy backbone while introducing his own flavors.

It’s refreshing, unexpected, and fantastic. As I’ve said before, I still have A Lot Like Birds slated to be the saviors of post-hardcore, and “Think Dirty Out Loud” is the perfect start to said mission.

Author: Jack Appleby View Staff Page for Jack Appleby

That 6’5″ guy you curse about under your breath for standing in front of you at shows. Southern California resident (a fact my fellow MEBers tend to hate me for). Student at Hope International University, where I served two years as Editor-In-Chief of the Hope International Tribune. College basketball player (I’m losing cred by the word). Social networking connoisseur. Musically, I’m all across the board, but tend to hover around ____core and good catchy-rock. Always ready for seven hour Facebook debates on the music industry, your favorite band and anything else.

(7 votes, average: 10.00 out of 10)

 Loading ...