Bird's Aren't Real

Sorry, birds are real. Welcome back to Finetuned! I just had to make the pun - it was just right there. This week is all about some of those post-hardcore vibes. This week is all about A Lot Like Birds! Let’s jam some high-tempo, highly emotive tunes.

Who Are A Lot Like Birds?

A Lot Like Birds was (sad that this is past tense) an experimental post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California. They were active from 2009 to 2018 and became known for their dynamic sound, blending elements of post-hardcore, progressive rock, and math rock with intricate instrumentals and emotional intensity. Their sound was so well-informed of others in the same genre. It was a sound that became wildly popular, but I think only a few bands actually did it quite well. I think that these dudes did it well, and some would call to other groups being in the mix of the convo, namely the likes of Dance Gavin Dance.

The band was primarily comprised of Kurt Travis (vox, formerly of Dance Gavin Dance), Cory Lockwood (vox), Michael Franzino (guitar), Ben Wiacek (guitar), Matt Coate (bass, vox), and Joseph Arrington (drums). They released a few albums over the years, discography as follows:

1. "Plan B" (2009) – Their debut album, mostly instrumental and experimental.

2. "Conversation Piece" (2011) – The album that brought them attention in the post-hardcore scene.

3. "No Place" (2013) – A concept album that delved into themes of mental struggle and identity. (our rec today)

4. "DIVISI" (2017) – Their final album, which took a softer, more alternative direction.

The band gained a cult following for their emotionally charged lyrics, chaotic yet melodic instrumentation, and dual-vocal approach (with Kurt Travis' clean singing contrasting Cory Lockwood's intense screams/spoken word). After disbanding, members went on to other projects—Kurt Travis continued solo work and joined other bands, while Michael Franzino started a project called "SLOW BLOOM."

What To Expect Sonically

Ethereal soundscapes, high tempo, as well as highly varied dynamics and instrumentation. Are you a fan of Eidola? Dance Gavin Dance? Hail The Sun? Circa Survive? If you answered yes to literally any of these, then you will enjoy ALLB. This group really does a wonderful job at evoking emotion and having it translate into such a beautiful full musical composition.

This is going to be a very hard record to relax to unless you are similar to me in that chaotic music helps match my brain’s chaos and sort of like levels it out. As a drummer, this band makes me happy. Lots of rhythmic changes, tasty fills, and super impactful grooves. They are so worth the listen!

No Place, Yes Please

One of the main highlights for me with this record, No Place, is how well it was produced. There are so many intricate layers of production that are a lovely accompaniment to the instrumentation, but it doesn’t feel too busy or chaotic, it feels just right.

Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: [email protected])

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See you all in the next one! 🙌