ALBUM REVIEW: Deadbird, "III: The Forest Within The Tree"

By: Pim Latuny

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 12/10/2018
Label: 20 Buck Spin Records

Deadbird has made a profound, meaningful, crushing record.

“III: The Forest Within The Tree” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. The Singularity

2. Luciferous Heart

3. Heyday

4. Alexandria

5. 11:34

6. Brought Low

7. Bone & Ash

8 Ending

 The Review

After ten years Deadbird is back with their third record called “III: The Forest Within The Tree”. A concept album? Maybe, and if you take a look at the mysterious but brilliant artwork that idea is confirmed again. More than four years they have worked on this album and they sound heavier, proggier and above all more dynamic.

The record has similarities with “Morningrise” by Opeth but with more doom/sludge metal influences. The acoustic parts are a nice contrast against the doomy guitar riffs and there are grunge and punk influences, especially when all the band members sing together. A band like Alice In Chains is obviously an influence, which is always a good thing. But don't be scared, Deadbird does not imitate them, they have their own sound and they realize that. The album contains eight songs and every song is packed with ideas that blend seamlessly, making each song a voyage of discovery. “Heyday” is a good example of this; without warning you are pulled into a deep forest where forest spirits show you the horrors of mankind: capped trees, dead rabbits and bears stuck in bear traps. “Alexandria” sounds like a battle song as if a forest warrior addresses his troops and “Bone & Ash” is a straight-forward sludge punk song.

The music is heavy and at the same time melancholic, and it is perfectly balanced. Just like the sound effects such as wind, insects or birds that are very subtly interwoven within the music. But the vocals are the icing on the cake. Without the scream, the grunt scream or the singing together, this record would be less awesome. It really gives a very dark autumnal atmosphere to this album.

Deadbird has made a profound, meaningful, crushing record. “III: The Forest Within The Tree”, can mean a lot, for me it stands for man's creativity, and how we can let that grow if we take the chance or get the chance to do so. And Deadbird certainly took that opportunity.

“III: The Forest Within The Tree” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

RECORDS OF THEIR YEARS....with Joe Rowland of Pallbearer

Few bands have had quite same impact as Pallbearer over the last 6 years. New LP “Heartless” saw the Arkansas quartet complete their journey from underground doom heroes to all-conquering titans of the genre.  Nearly 18 months after the release of “Heartlesss”, Pallbearer have toured relentlessly and perhaps when it was thought there was nowhere else to roam, the band are set to hit the UK this coming Monday 16^th July 2018, with five dates including a spot at Bloodstock. Recently I caught with Joe Rowland (bass) from the band, to discuss music, (what else) but more importantly albums from his birth to the present day.  Check it below.  

SL: Favourite album from the year you were born?

Joe Rowland: I had never really kept mental tabs on this so I had to a quick internet search, and much to my delight I discovered a few that certainly rank very highly (Jesus and Mary Chain’s ‘Psychocandy’, Sisters of Mercy’s ‘First and Last and Always’ and ‘Hounds of Love’ by Kate Bush) but there is a clear winner here for me: ‘No Jacket Required’ — I am and always will be an unabashed Phil Collins fan.  Starting with my dad showing me a live Genesis tape when I was a very young child, I immediately developed an affinity for his music, and I can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to this album. I don’t care if it’s not cool, as seems to be the pervading opinion nowadays. Phil Collins forever! 

SL: First album you bought with your own money?

JR: The first album I bought was a CD of some classical music. I don’t even remember what it was! At that point in my childhood it had been determined by the powers that be that it was against the rules in my household to listen to anything other than classical music. Once I had my driver’s license all bets were off though, and I committed the ultimate act of rebellion by going out and buying ‘My Own Prison’ by Creed on CD. Bonus answer, my first vinyl album that I purchased not too terribly long after that was ‘The Argument’ by Fugazi, which I’m pleased to say is significantly less questionable (although Creed is still good for a laugh from time to time, I’m not going to lie!)   

SL: Favourite non metal / rock album?

JR: This is a tough question… and my answer will possibly also be my answer to the following question as well. I’d have to go with ‘Hosianna Mantra’ by Popol Vuh. Popol Vuh is my personal favourite and overall most influential artist I would have to say. This album, despite not having my #1 Popol Vuh song on it, is utterly transcendent and I strive to inch closer and closer to making music that is as emotive and affective as this album makes me feel. 

Runners up (at the moment)

Popol Vuh, ‘Heart of Glass’

Brian Eno, ‘Ambient 4: On Land’

Klaus Schulze, ‘Moondawn’

SL: Favourite album of all time:

JR: I’ll mention my favourite METAL and Rock albums of all time here: 

For metal, it’s ‘Mob Rules’ by Black Sabbath. It’s perfect, I love everything about the riffs, Dio’s performance, Geezer’s bass playing and tone are 10/10. It’s just a great record that has a lot of “fuck yeah” gratifying moments on it. It’s also one of the greatest records to have drunk singalongs to! It’s an emotional rollercoaster, especially ending on the massively sorrowful ‘Over and Over’. 

For rock, it’s ‘Red’ by King Crimson. This almost defies explanation; it’s such an interesting record, I remember first listening to it and kind of marvelling at how raw it is. Three of the greatest players in relatively recent history, playing what to me is truly emotionally primal music. It’s not polished, but it is very real. It sounds to me to be quite different from the opulent and grandiose sound achieved by many of the other figureheads of prog rock of that time perhaps even rock and roll in general in 1974. There is just something much more mean at work here. And it’s also got that same sort of tragic ending that I enjoyed in equal measure on ‘Mob Rules’. 

SL:Favourite album of 2018?

JR: It hasn’t been released yet, but I’ve heard the new Deadbird album coming out on 20 Buck Spin, and it is easily my favourite thing I’ve heard this year. 

SL:...And finally The last album you bought?

JR: I recently picked up vinyl copies of Craig Leon ‘Nommos’ as well as Steve Roach ‘Empetus’ (two great 80’s synth records if anyone is curious.) Sadly I have not had the chance to spin them on my home hi-fi system yet, but I’m looking forward to some time off the road to immerse myself!

Pallbearer will be touring the UK from July 16th - 19^th – tickets are available HERE.

July 16th – London, The Underworld

July 17th – Glasgow, Stereo

July 18th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

July 19th – Bristol, Fleece

Aug 12th - Bloodstock

Their latest album 'Heartless' is out now HERE + brand new single 'Dropout' HERE" 

Band info: official || facebook