Shining Bird’s second album Black Opal is a work of grand reveals and stunning moments that capture a band heavily influenced by their surroundings. Tapping into the Australian landscape through their wonderfully expansive and cinematic sound, the band relish in the potential nature offers and in the process explore sounds that will no doubt surprise many.
I Can Run is an atmospheric opener that puts full focus on Dane Taylor’s vocals as a steady drumbeat and synth accompaniment carry the song to its shimmering conclusion. Helluva Lot is a gloriously upbeat number thatfeatures some impressive percussion and flute work which perfectly compliment the song’s wonderfully evocative lyrics.
Album highlight Utopia begins with the gentle chirping of crickets as Taylor’s plainspoken vocal delivery is backed by some incredible harmonies. Meanwhile, if you thought that the didgeridoo was a severely underused instrument in modern music then Charlie is guaranteed to appease this. The track adds an exciting new dynamic to the band while showing the array of sounds that are possible with a didgeridoo.
Taylor’s vocals take on a new quality on the wondrous Rivermouth that builds up as the band grow more confident and cohesive, while Buried conjures memories of significance and regret as it embarks on a journey almost seven minutes in length. Lonely Song is matter of fact and contemplative, starting with a simple musical arrangement to develop into an epic closing track that has it all from the sound of waves rolling in to birds chattering.
It’s clear even from the first listen of the album that Shining Bird are destined to have a rich history not too dissimilar to that of iconic Australian bands The Go-Betweens and The Triffids. With deep connections to the land in which they inhabit, the band possess a refreshing and masterfully accomplished sound that truly breaks new ground.
BY HOLLY PEREIRA
