Exploring Birdsong’s emotional new record ‘Every House We Built’

Written by Mark McConville

Every House We Built by Exploring Birdsong album cover

Exploring Birdsong is an elegant rock band with a progressive edge. Led by Lynsey Ward, who sings like an angel, the act redefines rock music, even if that statement sounds audacious. With their album, Every House We Built, the outfit block out any chance of mediocrity seeping into their well-rounded and electrifying songs, and with that, they bloom courageously.

Ward is a brilliant singer and she commands the room, pushing these evocative songs to the forefront, even escaping the commercial trigger point when doing so. This band do not want to be pigeonholed or shaped to fit a certain pattern; they want to in time to be an act properly astute but shielded away from the mainstream circuit. The songs on Every House We Built, are dazzling and could take this band to echelons, but within their hearts is substantial courage and they seem like a grounded group of musicians.

Breaking boundaries the band do so with this LP. They have created something ultimately massive in scope and in sound, expertly drawing from memories and even heartache. Not only does the album have upbeat moments, but there are also times when it all becomes a subtle, often emotive affair. That shows diversity and sincerity, which is admirable to say the least.

‘42’ echoes far and wide, and it’s a track which is brooding but majestic. The story takes shape and it conveys fate. Ward sings exuberantly, making waves with an element of darkness swarming around her. It’s a wonder, this song too and the instrumentals break ground, without being too abrasive.

‘Romanticise’ again plays on fear. Ward vocalises and does so beautifully, showing her range as well as charismatic tendencies. It’s a contribution bound in darkness and stark realisations, layered upon broken promises.

‘Spy In The House Of Love’ begins engagingly, putting in perspective the album’s themes. It isn’t overly dramatic, but there’s a surge of charisma. Ward again blows away any chance of inferiority too, and her angelic voice cuts through the instrumentals. That riff pleases, while being effective and progressive.

Ultimately Exploring Birdsong has created a wonderful record which is original. The beauty comes from a voice of reason and musicians who are intelligent and looped into rock music that just takes the breath away.

10/10