EP REVIEW: THE HUNTING BIRDS – In Its Nature

EP REVIEW: THE HUNTING BIRDS – In Its Nature
Independent
October 2018
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8/10

Let’s try to sidestep genre-compartmentalising Fremantle quintet The Hunting Birds. Their music has elements of alt-country, an anthemic pop sensibility, supersized hooks that won’t let go and more, and they’re all the better for refusing to be narrowed into a slender genre type.

Opener Currents is haunting, ghostly, ethereal. The blend of co-lead vocalists Kendra Fewster and Connor Minervini simply stunning as their voices writhe together with the sensibility of lovers.

Here We Go and Naïve Eyes are both tailor made for alternative radio right now. Melodies and superb musicianship from lead guitarist Chris Mackenzie, bassist Gwyneth Gardiner and drummer Brad Forbes (and some tantalisingly sparse keyboards which remain uncredited) are gorgeous and sound like a lightglobe switching on about the listener’s head, such is the sense that their sound instantly makes.

Hidden In These Waters sees Fewster take the lead as the band go down a folkier, more Americana dusty track. It’s a darker, more gothic edge to The Hunting Birds, and they take it even further down that track with closer Burn This House Down, its jaunty melody perfectly counterpointing the ominous sentiment.

In Its Nature is an assured and classy release from a young band already making heads turn, and if this doesn’t get them more attention nationally and further afield, then nothing will.

Category: CD Reviews