You might think ‘getting into the groove’ was a pretty straight-forward proposition. Well this album from Sydney – based Distant Birds (The Necks keyboardist Chris Abrahams, Boy & Bear bass-player Dave Symes and drummer Evan Mannell) is likely to disrupt those preconceived ideas. ‘Vol 01 & Vol 02’, which is out now via Earshift Music, delivers four lengthy tracks each with an infectious rhythmic core and a potent hypnotic spell. Fela’s stretched out afrobeat sermons are a reference point but connections to Can’s long form rock improv and Bitches Brew era Miles minimalism also filter through the Distant Birds’ dynamic. The trio’s music on this album is no re-hash though, it’s a reconsideration of the power of repetition.
Volume 01 opens to the sound of tumbling debris and the lithesome Symes/Mannell rhythm section which sets up Drill. An irresistible Tony Allen-esque shuffle propels the tune, Abrahams’ synths bring a cooling shimmer and the twin brass of Ellen Kirkwood (trumpet) plus Matt Ottignon (baritone sax) weld together some hot-stepping lines. At times the horns make Latino-funk stabs then shift to luxurious soul or clipped ‘Africa 70 call outs but they always stay locked in with Abraham’s spiralling piano runs. It’s thrillingly tight and cohesive, flowing pattern music for the dancefloor as well as the head space.
On Sea Grass the pace slows to a nu-soul sway, all delicious snare chocks, blubbery bass lines and prog-ish synth flutters. Again the keys and horns hug tight around every bend, the phrases spinning nimbly while draped in spacey atmospherics. Nothing drifts here, you find yourself drawn into the crisp beats, returning horn lines and Abraham’s subtle piano sprinkles. Comparisons to Surprise Chef’s perky library sounds or Khruangbin’s pop-funk might provide some bearings but Distant Birds are pushing further on these tunes, reaching somewhere more abstract and experimental. Often Abraham’s pursuits with The Necks resonate throughout this intriguing set.
Because Dave Symes and Chris Abrahams wrote and produced each tune on ‘Vol 01 & Vol.02’ cohesion and clarity are ensured. In addition there’s an alchemic connection between all five players that combine in this version of Distant Birds. Such understanding explains how all the tracks, recorded in single live takes, retain such fluency and precision. It’s a concentrated energy which is readily sustained by the cuts which makes up ‘Vol 02’.
The slow, chunky skank of Spirit Level might seem momentarily predictable but soon the conga’s soft pad, and Symes’ bass bounce pulls you closer. The dubness is gentle, Kirkwood and Ottignon’s horns taking on Skatalite tones while Abraham’s twirling Hammond captures a Jackie Mitto-like earthiness. There’s elevation to be had here as the whole tune stretches out mesmerically within an intricate electronic swirl. To close Driver raises the pulse with a transcendent eighteen-minute jazz funk journey. Whipped along by Symes spidery bass riff and drummer Mannell’s unwavering Kosmische perfection, it’s a seamless piece of locomotive music making.
Distant Birds may create rhythm focused soundscapes but their ambient leanings remain central to their approach. You could say these are self-disciplined tunes, they are not random jams. There is a natural spontaneity, pulsating liveliness and subtle improvisation, but any instrumental tangents are kept succinct and geared to feed the overall momentum. Yes Distant Birds dive even deeper into the groove and find new complexities.
Get your copy of ‘Vol 01 & Vol 02‘ by Distant Birds from your local record store or direct from Earshift Music HERE
