Mimicking Birds - Mimicking Birds

Portland OR trio Mimicking Birds' self-titled debut album began primarily as a solo project for singer/songwriter Nate Lacy, bedroom recordings that have been fleshed out live and in the studio with the addition of childhood friends Tim Skellinger (guitar) and Aaron Hanson (drums). Produced by Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and Clay Jones, recorded at Brock's home studio and releasing March 9 on his Glacial Pace label, Mimicking Birds' gentle, mostly stripped production allows the atmospheric elements of the compositions to breathe with plenty of space.

Lacy's hushed vocals have a tender, near whisper quality that serves to further heighten the up-close intimacy of the recordings. Lead tracks "The Loop" and "Burning Stars" have a low-key, lo-fi approach with a mesmerizing, often reverbed feel, particularly on the aptly titled "Loop" where chiming guitar runs repeat to create a pattern of circulating aural textures. Throughout the album there's a sense of large, ambient space brought down to a small, personal proximity, subdued and ethereal but with enough energy -- as on the lithe and limber "Burning Stars" --  to keep the lights of Lacy's thoughtful, cosmic lyrical imagery aglow. Highly recommended. Watch a live, in-studio session here.

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Mimicking Birds - "Burning Stars" (from the album Mimicking Birds)

Mimicking Birds - "The Loop" (from the album Mimicking Birds)