Birdeatsbaby - The Bullet Within

I think it is about time I finally shed some light on the gothic rock/classical band called Birdeatsbaby. I have listened to their albums countless of times and watched their music videos too many times than I can count. For some reason, it has only occurred to me now that I should probably write a little something regarding them in one form or the other. Anyway, I will be discussing their 2014 album, "The Bullet Within". 

Birdeatsbaby is far away from any standard rock or alternative band you may have heard in your life. Led by the charismatic, piano master, and singing hummingbird Mishkin Fitzgerald, the band formed in 2008. They were quickly noted for their energy and visual aesthetics in their live shows. Their music videos have become quite a hit, with 'The Trouble' gaining close to 300,000 views on YouTube. After their debut EP "China Doll" released in 2008, the band noted their own talent and continued to pursue their dreams. 

It was in 2010 when the young performers first got a bit of a breakthrough with the "Bigger Teeth" EP. After some success, 2012's "Feast of Hammers" really put them in a shining light, with critics such as Simon Price of The Independent hailing them as the "sound of 2012", and Ben Graham of The Quietus admiring them as "dark, sexual, vulnerably yet strong...like all the best bands". They've also had their music played live and have been interviewed twice by Tom Robinson of BBC6 Music. 

In 2014, "The Bullet Within" came to life after a successful crowdfunding campaign thanks to 'The Flock', which is what they call their fanbase. Anyway, as a favor to fans and to go above and beyond their expectations, I believe that they crafted "The Bullet Within" to be their best album to date.

In all honesty, Birdeatsbaby could probably create their own genre and call themselves "alternative cabaret rock", as that's how I always describe them to anyone who asks me what I'm listening to. However, as stated earlier, the easiest genres to use when discussing Birdeatsbaby are gothic, rock, and classical, as all three elements are found within the music.

Lyrically, gothic tones takeover. However, the lyrics never really take on that new age, whiny and complaining bullshit that so many false Goth teens, tweens, and horrifically sounding boy bands like to consider dark and cool. No, there is a sophistication and passion whenever Fitzgerald sings, especially during piano solos. You only need to take the emotional and touching introductory notes of 'Drinking In The Day' for example to understand what I'm saying. 

When it comes down to the music portion, I give props to both Fitzgerald and the rest of her bandmates. A lovely mix of violin, viola, piano and cello (among some more instruments I probably missed) all play well along with both lead and bass guitar. It really is hard to point out a favorite track of mine on the album, as all of them are knockouts, but if I had to point you in the direction of one really outstanding track, I'd say to listen to 'Tenterhooks'. A bit more progressive rock-ish in style, the song is till able to incorporate most of what makes up Birdeatsbaby musically. 

Aside from their own talent, they also called on some outside musicians. Founder of the cello rock group Rasputina, Melora Creager provided the cello work on 'Into The Black'. Though it was a short song - only clocking in at one minute and eight seconds - it was fairly bright and positive, and provided a contrast to many of the other songs on the album. On 'Spiders', "circus swing" singer and performer Gabby Young aided Fitzgerald in vocally dominating the song. Both ladies brought out their best and sounded beautiful singing side by side one another. 

Dark, gorgeous, and mature, Birdeatsbaby's "The Bullet Within" presents some of the finest gothic music I've heard in a while. It is different, and genre boundaries and rules are broken every time they release a new album. Poetically lyrical content kicks ass in every song, and the band performs so well together. Pair that with some aid from both Melora Creager and Gabby Young, Birdeatsbaby showcases their fantastic talents for the entertainment industry to both respect and adore, as well as become full of envy over Birdeatsbaby's greatness. 

As of right now, the band is working on a Christmas single, a music video for 'My Arms Will Open Wide', and some apparel. You can also check out their latest single 'Muscle Museum' that they released in July over on Bandcamp, as well as the 'Tenterhooks' single which includes a remix of the song.

In any case, keep Birdeatsbaby on your radar. If you've been missing out on them since they started, now would be a great time to check them out and see what they're made of.  
Aug 05 2015