I’ll hazard that you haven’t heard of the Montreal based band Bird Problems yet. I’ll admit, the band name made me raise an eyebrow. However, it was with that same raised eyebrow that I gave a listen to the track “Pigeon Superstition”. Let me tell you, I was absolutely mind blown. Bird Problems are making their way into your “favorite current bands” list with their new EP, “Flight or Flight” (no, that’s not a typo) that released this year!
The first track, “Dishonest Work”, is fucking gnarly. Matt McCormack’s bassline in the intro will get your head banging, for sure. Michael Smilovitch’s clean vocals are stunning and completely unique. One of the things I really like about Bird Problems is how they incorporate so many styles of music into each song. Joseph Anidjar’s guitarwork is both beautiful and intriguing. This is the essence of prog.
“Castle Filth”, the next track, is a huge tonal shift. Michael’s screams are so punchy and emotion driven. This song particularly gave me huge Between the Buried and Me vibes. Which is a good thing, because I like BTBAM. The drummer, Daniel Smilovitch, is exceptional and you’ll really see them shine here. It’s highly, highly, filthy.
“Plume” is definitely the chill song. The vocals are haunting as fuck. Matt McCormack and Daniel Smilovitch just go nuts with this one, because why not? It’s a great song to pop on when you’re about to kick back and veg out. I love that hook. It’s so catchy and lyrically stunning.
We finish it off with “Gloom”. This one’s just flat-out epic. Where “Plume” was the chill one, this is the heavy one. It’s the perfect finale to the EP. I can picture the pit to this being perplexing as piss with how breakdowns are performed here. Joseph Anidjar graces us with a shred-tastic solo, which puts a smile on my face always. The repeated hook from “Plume” is also really fucking cool. You’d think it’d come off as lazy, but it’s so good that it merits repeating.
I really hope you’ll go look Bird Problems up now. Or rather, you won’t need to because I’ll tell you where to go. Do it! They deserve your love!
You can listen to this masterpiece in its entirety over on Spotify or on YouTube, your choice.
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