CD review BIRDPEN "In the company of imaginary friends"

(8/10) Birdpen is the name of an English rock band. The group was founded by Dave Pen, Mike Bird and Livingstone Seagull in 2003. Since then the trio released a bunch of EP's followed by two longplayers. "On/Off/Safety/ Danger" (2009) and "Global lowe" (2012) are available already and record number three is already in the pipeline.

The music of Birdpen can be best described as rock music that includes progressive elements as well as electro parts. You can hear a bit of Radiohead when you're listening to Birdpen. 

"In the company of imaginary friends" is the coming with ten songs and one interlude. The range of tunes goes from soulful rocking ones like the opener "Like a mountain" and to silent piano-based tracks like "Lost it" - a melancholic song that is really touching. 

"Alive" is a more swinging number that is quite catchy and comes with the some more rocking guitars. The joy of this track is the hypnotic monotony that comes with the song. In the end it is "Equal parts hope and dread" that is the most intense track on the album. This song is loud, especially compared to the other ones. It's my favorite on the longplayer.

"In company of imaginary friends" is an interesting album that is maybe not for every metal fan. But it has something special and you will be taken on a journey though soundscapes that Pen and friends created just for you - the listener.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Like a mountain
2. Somewhere
3. Into the blacklight
4. Tcttya
5. Lost it
6. Lake's demand for an interlude
7. No place like drone
8. Alive
9. Lifeline
10. Cell song
11. Equal parts hope and dread

Label: Jar Records

Genre: Rock