Flying under the radar a bit is the new release from Toronto’s Roan Bateman and his Dark Bird project. Released on NoiseAgonyMayhem (Canada) and Cardinal Fuzz (UK,) Out Of Line combines elements of 90’s psych and Byrds-like harmonies but it’s the early Pink Floyd influences that really stand out here. The album kicks of with with a locomotive beat, jangly guitars and reverse cymbal effects on the title track “And It All Ends Well” before hitting one of the standout tracks, the almost anthem-like Barret influenced, “Out of Line”. “Stranger” turns up the fuzz but stays true to form. “Down With love” is a slower jangly tune that pulls in some later influences like Love and Rockets as does “Minefield” which is perhaps my favorite track on the LP. “Undone” and the later “The Ghost’ really hone in on the Byrds’ country influenced sound. “With You” has a groovy pace to it and beautiful harmonies among the swirling classic keyboard sounds. “This Is It” closes out the record at the same pace it started with some fuzz and that chugging beat. I had listened to a few of these tracks before i purchased but it really hit me how good this record is when got it on the stereo and cranked up the volume. It’s an outstanding record without question. One of the better of the year so far.
You can get this from NoiseAgonyMayhem , Cardinal Fuzz and I believe Little Cloud has a few copies
