Music for Dead Birds
Irish anti-folk band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Music for Dead Birds are an anti-folk band from Galway and County Mayo, Ireland. Its members are Jimmy Monaghan (vocals, guitar) and Dónal Walsh (drums).[3][4]
Music for Dead Birds | |
|---|---|
Music for Dead Birds performing at the Roisin Dubh, Galway. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Galway, Ireland |
| Genres | Indie folk, lo fi, indie rock, anti-folk,[1] rock[2] |
| Instruments | voice, guitar, drums |
| Years active | 2007 – present |
| Label | Rusted Rail |
| Members | Jimmy Monaghan, Dónal Walsh |
| Past members | Brianna Monaghan |
History
Music for Dead Birds formed in Galway city in 2007.[5] In April, 2009, they released their debut album "And then it rained for seven days" on the Irish independent record label Rusted Rail.[6] The album was self produced by the band and was mainly recorded using a 4-track tape deck. Foxy Digitalis commented "The additional album info describes the recording as taking place in "various sheds, attics & bedrooms in Galway and Mayo." The end result represents clear intentions and highly creative song writing and recording techniques."[7] It also received a positive review in Italian music magazine Ondarock.[8] However, it was also criticised for its lo-fi quality.[9] The song Four Years From Now went on to feature on the soundtrack of the German art project Centerland, which was released by Jellyfant Records in 2013.[10]
In October 2011, the group released their second album "The Pope's Sister".[11] AU Magazine said : "Jimmy Monaghan and co meld Beta Band-esque charm with boldly erratic time signatures and disaffected fuzz."[12] Terrascope also praised the album stating: "By the time you get to “Release the Dogs” you find you are fully immersed in the album, the twisted guitar lines hooking you in with relentless ease."[13] It was listed by Irish radio DJ Dan Hegarty as one of the top 50 Irish albums of 2011.[14]
The group's third album "Vitamins" was released on 17 April 2014, by the band's own Ghost Home Recordings label, as both a Pay what you want digital download and a limited edition CD run of 100 copies.[15] The album was recorded in one weekend at Data Studios, County Kerry, with recording engineer Tadgh Healy.[16] Critical reception of the album was mixed, with Irish website GoldenPlec referring to it as a "flawed project",[17] while in a more positive review Ptolemaic Terrascope opined: "The sudden stop/starts, so beloved of Seattle residents, do sometimes get a little wearing, but it's never less than intriguing listening, and the good songs have their own chutzpah."[18] Lead track The Farmer's Corn was broadcast by 2fm in Ireland[19] and 2SER in Australia.[20] A music video was produced for the track Magic Witch which received some media attention for its dark content.[21]
They have played with artists such as Lite (band), Angus & Julia Stone[22] Woodpigeon (band),[23] And So I Watch You From Afar[24] & Girl Band (Irish band)[25] in Galway & Mayo.[26] They have also appeared at 93 Feet East in London,[27] The Space (Connecticut)[28] & The Living Room in New York.[29]