(MGM)

Perth band takes off on their second album

Singer Ian Kenny was already well-known in Australian rock circles as for Karnivool’s frontman. So forming Birds Of Tokyo in Perth some years ago seemed like another band guy either stretching himself or kicking back in a side-project. Since then, though, this band has taken on a life of its own and proof of that shows in this second album’s attention to detail. Self-produced by guitarist Adam Spark and the band, it was given a real sheen by Los Angelean mixer Tim Palmer (U2 and Pearl Jam, but also Aussie acts like Eskimo Joe and Small Mercies). If anything, it reinforces the band’s leanings towards drama-laden angst-pop - epic, widescreen melodies with big, singalong choruses about life’s struggles, all heartfelt but still begging to be played loud. It’s a tad overwrought at times - listen to Kenny’s woeful wail in Medicine, carried aloft on tearjerker strings and poignant piano passages – but mostly it sounds anthemic in a way that wards off indulgence. It’s that balance which makes even The Baker’s Son, their most ambitious song, work so well while others like Wild Eyed Boy and Head In My Hands I’m sure will soon be live favourites.        

*** ½

BILL HOLDSWORTH

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