Andrew Bird’s album “Outside Problems” is a breath of fresh air
It’s back to the basics for indie rock multi- instrumental ist Andrew Bird with his latest release, “Outside Problems.”
Recorded without the intention of creating an album, the nine- track LP showcases the musician’s exceptional improvisational skills. It is like a breath of fresh air, probably because the album was, in fact, recorded primarily
Andrew Bird
outside.
Loma Vista Recordings
“I was playing for the joy of it and to get these ideas casionally hums or whisout of my head,” Bird said tles in “Outside Problems,” in a statement. “To hear showcasing a small numthem in a room. There is ber of string instruments no room.” instead. “Inside Problems”
“Outside Problems” was was also recorded, well, announced a year after the inside, though Bird said release of Bird’s album “Inin the statement that he side Problems.” In many would’ve liked to record it ways, “Outside Problems” outside as well, if it weren’t is both inspired by its prefor some pesky leaf-blowdecessor anders.itstotalopposite. lthough “Inside Prob
Consider these contralems” was released first, dictions: “Inside Problems” Bird says it was the themes features vocals and a full explored in his newest reband, while Bird only oc- cord that inspired the 2022
“OUTSIDE PROBLEMS”
album. See the new album’s “Epilogue,” a sweet and gentle piece with a ghostlike, echoing melodic pattern, or the droning, swirling “Tik Tok.” Themes from the two are hinted at in the first album’s songs, like “Underlands” and “Lone Didion.”
Listeners can challenge themselves to see how many parallels they can spot between the two albums while experiencing the magic that is the musical improvisation in “Outside Problems.”
Many of the tracks feature a fairly simple- sounding formula that starts with a minimalistic violin- plucking pattern. After a couple of rounds, Bird builds on the theme, layering complementing plucking patterns or putting his bow to the string. “Mancey” and “What We Saw” are perfect examples.
Musical improvisation can be a tricky art form, but Bird makes it sound easy, making this album a real treat.