Track of the Day: Bird Cage Theatre – Fire Went Down (2024)
With a deep passion for music, lifelong friends Chris Molloy (vocals and rhythm guitar) and Marc Kean (lead guitar) ignited a melodic fire in their hearts. Drawing together a melting pot of influences, the pair created an eclectic sound; however, a core love for acoustic roots lingered in their music. In 2021, Molloy caught the attention of Simon Ash (drums) bonding over an appreciation of acoustic music and a desire to bring Molloy’s home recordings to life. The duo became a trio when Kean joined as lead guitarist, and later the trio jumped to a quintet with Craig Russell (bass) and Stephen Dennis (piano). Taking the smouldering embers of that sonic fire, the lads sparked a ferocious flame as Bird Cage Theatre.
Following their well-received singles ‘In This Life’ and ‘Only Rhythm’, Bird Cage Theatre enter 2024 with ‘Fire Went Down’. In each single, Bird Cage Theatre weave kaleidoscopic intricacy in simplistic charm and this is clear in ‘Fire Went Down’. The barebones sentimentality shines through but the overall expression is, well, kaleidoscopic. In ‘Fire Went Down’, each instrument has prominence flitting from a solo piano to drums; however, while the arrangement is well-textured in its individuality, the sparseness flows with symphonic harmony.
While the melody is enchanting in its eclectic execution, it is Molloy’s vocals that touch my heart. Bold, rich and filled with pure clarity, Chris Molloy comforts one with gentle caresses and personal narratives. Interestingly, just as there is clarity there is a sense of vulnerable confusion. Profound, sensitive and intricate, the lyricism delicately taps into human fragility. Molloy explains:
“There was a point a few years ago when I faced a particularly challenging period in my life. My own behaviour was taking a toll on my mental health as I indulged in excessive drinking on weekends and found myself in increasingly dangerous situations. I was losing the aspects of myself that I loved and came to the realisation that a change was crucial.”
Find out more about Bird Cage Theatre, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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