The press release for this band suggest that they have created music which is ‘genre-less’ and that this particular EP was ‘Heavily influenced by Bowie's Scary Monsters, P-Funk and John Carpenter films’. With this in mind, I was eager to de-construct this information and find out precisely what this band has managed to orchestrate and produce.

Track one entitled ‘The Villain’ has a soft and sweet nature, with clean guitar which is carefully executed alongside an arrangement of tones and effects in both foreground and background elements. Vocally, it leans towards a ‘Porcupine Tree’ approach where lyrics are well crafted to compliment the music, rather than over-power it. Towards the end of the track, an arrangement of string instruments enters to complete the final sections, as it fades out in preparation for the second Birds and Batteries instalment. From initial listens ‘The Villain’ feels as if it is the introduction to a story. At this stage, I am ever hopeful that the following tracks are of similar quality and class.

‘Lonely Guns’ is the next song to be exposed to the listener. This turns out to simply be an interlude between tracks. With an overlay of multiple instruments, it feels slightly more congested musically than the previously effort, but I can only assume its purpose is not to be a standalone offering anyway.

‘Out in the Woods’ takes us back to a four and half minute attempt. For me, this particular song is a little more basic and unimpressive to what I had already been used to in the first track, which I understood to be their benchmark in ability. I started to doubt this, hearing the slightly odd lyrics, presented in a slightly naff cheeky-cockney type way. Yeah, its a little kooky and different, but it doesn’t stand out as pushing this band into either the mainstream or indeed allow them the accolade of being international stars. For a moment, I thought the closing seconds were going to turn this song around, as a distorted guitar enters with a driving riff... typically this almost instantly fades out.


Now on the fence, with this song having the opportunity to tip me either way, I am still hopeful that ‘Lightning’ will be the deciding factor. Already I feel like this band have something unique, however by trying to not fill any genre, what they are doing is providing too many diverse attempts. Despite this, ‘Lighting’ has far more impressive bass tones and rhythmic qualities than anything I have heard so far, bringing back some hope for a more positive overview. I like the vocal and instrumental combination and it once again holds atmospheric elements that allow the listener to enter the world of Birds and Batteries. This track has a lot more get-up-and-go about it, which is where I hope this band will draw most influence for further songs.


‘Sneaky Times’ is the last input and for a brief moment I reflected on whether this EP was in fact a journey, or story. There are certainly opportunities for this whole EP to be included within a soundtrack, however with its constantly airy and distant approach, it perhaps would only suit something from another planet. The vocals on this track are twinned with an effect that seems to really draw the sharp tones out. I am not entirely sure why this would have been chosen during production, but I guess that is where Birds and Batteries do succeed. They prompt the listener to think and question what they are hearing, something which you don’t often have the chance to experience.

Given their immediate influences, I was expectant of something atmospheric, quirky and unusual – something which I can safely say was achieved. This EP has elements of pure genius, but as this is overshadowed by moments of confusion it is hard to truly understand where this band hopes to go in the future. I would say that this EP is worth a listen, but its longevity is doubtful.

Tracklisting:
1 The Villain
2 Lonely Guns
3 Out In the Woods
4 Lightning (UTNG Version)
5 Sneaky Times