Birds Are Better – The Loop (2023)

In January 2022, singer-songwriter Stian Fjelldal hit the brutal moment of existential crisis. After releasing his fifth album Hus, he was surprised by the lack of enthusiasm when it was released. So, he stepped back, stared into his soul and asked that painful question: do I like what I’m doing? Would I listen to my music if it weren’t mine? His conclusion was “no, probably not”. It might be depressing but it was this moment of liberating realisation that prompted Birds Are Better.

Fjelldal began writing songs in English finding that “I had a different voice, one that I identified more with because I drew inspiration from the heart, not from my own idea of what kind of artist I was…” This acceptance of himself led to a string of singles Fjelldal shifting to what he wants to be instead of what he thinks he should be. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Birds Are Better’.

Following his single ‘The Plan’, ‘The Loop’ is Fjelldal’s second track off his upcoming album The Island – Part II. As part of a double-album compilation, including the recently released The Island – Part I, Birds Are Better once again dip into the heart of humanity exploring its intricacies, complexity and emotional depths. ‘The Loop’ touches on love, loss betrayal and space travel. Drawing together traditional folk, 80s synth-pop and twinkling electropop beats, ‘The Loop’ transcends time and space in a cinematic soundscape.

Unlike the heavier, high-paced ‘The Plan’, ‘The Loop’ captures our imaginations without an indie-rock-inspired gruffness. Slowly, gently and filled with a soothing simplicity, Fjelldal lures you into a whimsical bubble floating across the melody as if drifting in space. Lost in thought, warm tranquillity beats through synth-driven tones; however, a brash kick of despair lurks in the lyricism. The juxtaposition of mellifluous joy and hard-hitting melancholy could be an oscillation of dark and light, but it leaves you teetering on a knifepoint unsure of which way to fall.

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In addition to the single, Birds Are Better released an official music video for ‘The Loop’. You can view it below or via the YouTube channel. Please note: this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

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For more from Birds Are Better, check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator