Toronto-based alternative rockers, Birds of Bellwoods, have released their new single “Firsts (Over and Over Again)” after it’s official premiere on the ABC hit drama “The Rookie” this past October. The single, precedes “Figure It Out” which acts as the final preview of their upcoming sophomore album, Everything You Want.
With a gently fizzing synthesizer and four-on-the-floor pulse, the “Firsts” starts off sweetly adding in some cinematic flourishes like the occasional hit of distorted bass or small hiccups of percussion. Then the chorus comes sweeping in with a swirl of clashing guitar and synths against a more syncopated beat led by a hi-hat that knows no bounds. But even as the music swells, the vocals maintain a sense of restraint that holds to a softer disposition, which works well as a counterpoint to the onslaught of sound that surrounds it.
The band says that the “Firsts” is “as much a poem as a song. It tells the story of a short relationship, from strangers to friends, friends to lovers, and lovers to strangers again, in two simple verses and a refrain.” They self-describe the song as a thoughtful mix between “I Know The End” by Phoebe Bridgers and “Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap, which feels apt. It’s a song with the heart and care of a singer-songwriter at its core amidst a cloud of electronic sound.
In contrast, “Figure It Out” delivers high energy synth and bass heavy dance rock vibes that find an upbeat way of introducing mental health issues as a topic of discussion. The band had this to say about the track: “The most literal and direct in its verses, this song is a celebration of anxiety. It’s a panic attack you can dance to, a therapist’s notebook set to music. The reality of our generation: overhyped, underslept, spread too thin, and trying too hard. What if we never figure it out?”
“Firsts (Over and Over Again)” and “Figure It Out” are available now on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, TIDAL, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Pandora. Their sophomore album, Everything You Want, released via MNRK Music Group will also be available to stream on February 10, 2023.
Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
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