"start white bombs to astroturfinate..."
Sounding a bit like a space operatic spaghetti western, "Night of the Living Dad" by San Antonio, Texas based musician, writer, tinkerer and amateur naturalist Bill Baird sort of feels like an amalgam of Super Furry Animals (Juxtaposed With U), Badly Drawn Boy (Silent sigh), Beach House (Myth) and Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey, or something like that. The wonderfully tactile sonic textures that feel sad, yet ebullient at the same time, has a cross generational / cross genre'd feel. There are lo-fi synth sounds, a driving but pretty static machine beat that Michael Jackson would have adored, wonderful synth bass tones, and other atmospheric pressures, guitars against electronica that truly fuels your imagination. This wonderful soundscape feels like a movie beamed on your bedroom wall. Baird's universe building might be partially improvised but the orchestral-ness here feels as lush as ELO, as MGMT, as The Alan Parsons Project.
Baird says:
"The lyrics are not a linear narrative but rather an invitation to conjure mental images, resembling a pointillistic drawing that sparks connections within."
AND I truly wish they were easier to decipher. I dig lyrics and it would be nice to hear the bulk of them but I cannot. I still love what is happening here.
LINER NOTES:
About New Album 'Astral Suitcase':
Introducing 'Astral Suitcase' by Bill Baird, an album born from the vivid dreams of recording in Iceland. Picture the expansive landscapes, the steamy whispers from volcanic realms, the delightful confusion of navigating a foreign town—all translated into sound.
Unlike conventional albums, 'Astral Suitcase' emerged spontaneously. With just a few compositional ideas in hand, each song materialized during the recording process, capturing the essence of Iceland in its raw, unscripted beauty. One song a day, a musical journey unfolding with each passing moment.
Baird thrives on the risk of the unknown, embracing the intensity akin to a tightrope walk. Like trapping an elusive animal, the songs are captured at the precise moment, not a moment too soon. It's a delicate dance, a musical hunt that culminates when the time is right.
Musically, 'Astral Suitcase' defies easy classification. A unique fusion of songwriting, textural sound sculpting, and the magic contributed by collaborator Ulfur. The lyrics are not a linear narrative but rather an invitation to conjure mental images, resembling a pointillistic drawing that sparks connections within.
Inspired by David Bowie's 'Low,' the album explores a duality—a mutant-pop side merging seamlessly with imaginary sonic landscapes. 'Astral Suitcase' is not just an album; it's a sonic odyssey, an exploration of uncharted territories that transcends conventional boundaries. Venture into the unknown with Bill Baird and experience the magic of 'Astral Suitcase.'
Introducing 'Astral Suitcase' by Bill Baird, an album born from the vivid dreams of recording in Iceland. Picture the expansive landscapes, the steamy whispers from volcanic realms, the delightful confusion of navigating a foreign town—all translated into sound.
Unlike conventional albums, 'Astral Suitcase' emerged spontaneously. With just a few compositional ideas in hand, each song materialized during the recording process, capturing the essence of Iceland in its raw, unscripted beauty. One song a day, a musical journey unfolding with each passing moment.
Baird thrives on the risk of the unknown, embracing the intensity akin to a tightrope walk. Like trapping an elusive animal, the songs are captured at the precise moment, not a moment too soon. It's a delicate dance, a musical hunt that culminates when the time is right.
Musically, 'Astral Suitcase' defies easy classification. A unique fusion of songwriting, textural sound sculpting, and the magic contributed by collaborator Ulfur. The lyrics are not a linear narrative but rather an invitation to conjure mental images, resembling a pointillistic drawing that sparks connections within.
Inspired by David Bowie's 'Low,' the album explores a duality—a mutant-pop side merging seamlessly with imaginary sonic landscapes. 'Astral Suitcase' is not just an album; it's a sonic odyssey, an exploration of uncharted territories that transcends conventional boundaries. Venture into the unknown with Bill Baird and experience the magic of 'Astral Suitcase.'
I look forward to delving into "Astral Suitcase" and I hope I make it out alive.
-Robb Donker Curtius
Bill Baird, musician, writer, tinkerer, amateur naturalist, San Antonio, Texas, experimental pop, science fiction, space opera, indie rock, alt rock, lofi, post punk, "Night of the Living Dad" (Official Video)
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRwdxq0yLMo
Bill Baird is a musician, writer, tinkerer, and amateur naturalist living in San Antonio, TX. Formerly lived in Oakland, Portland, Austin, and on various couches and floors.
Bill Baird is a musician, writer, tinkerer, and amateur naturalist living in San Antonio, TX. Formerly lived in Oakland, Portland, Austin, and on various couches and floors.
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