★★★★

Friends, Aussies, countrymen, lend me your ears.

Actually, lend your ears to the new Birds Of Tokyo release, as they go back to basics with Brace – an interesting hybrid of classic tones meets ’80s electronica with sneaky little political messages stitched throughout, all neatly moulded around a series of visual influences that mean the tracks are meant for live eyes and ears only.

You can’t gush and rave about this release without listening to it twice, because it’s the kind of album that needs time to grow on you. ‘Above / Below’ delivers the biggest hand of ’80s noise in the album, blending the old with the really old; it’s a songwriting element that doesn’t really prove necessary against the multitude of other audible goodies occurring. The subtle drumlines of ‘Crown’ underline the messages of hope and the band’s political opinions, pushing through a powerfully motivational tone of desperation in the lyrics. ‘Brace’ and ‘Empire’ are the standout tracks, displaying that classic Birds sound of bending harmonies, layered builds and heavier rock chants.

The record is evidence of what has made Birds Of Tokyo one of the best representatives of Australian contemporary rock – just remember, you might need to give it time to bloom.

Birds Of Tokyo’sBraceis available now through EMI.

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