Lesser Birds of Paradise Space Between
Spaced out drone folk from Chicago based songwriter Mark Janka and co-conspirtor Tim Joyce. Rich with sonic textures and lyrical imagery that grow like covert hunters, unaware you're being won over until you're hooked. Janka's sincerity in his self-doubt is charming as he
pokes fun at his songwriting, "...and the bears in the forrest/ wonder where the hell's the chorus." I'm not particularly sure if there is an actual, proper chorus in the entirety of Space Between, but the songs are undeniable. The record begins with Janka coming to terms with himself, while still expressing a desire to overcome, "and though my manners are mild and my words are meek/ its a stand and a statement that I seek." Another highlight is "Do You Remember When (We Overthrew the Government?)". In this gem, Janka jests, "at the risk of the cliche/ we wore scarves and black berrets./ Tell me is there any other way?" Needless to say, I could quote basically this entire album. So, with such strong lyrical content rested upon a bed of orchestrated noise drones and sparse, free druming the Lesser Birds of Paradise have infected my world with a lovely album that has had a semi-permanent residency in my CD player.
Released on local Contraphonic label. Psych-pop, beauty with thoughtful arrangements that expand and enrich with repeated listens.