Album Review: Wilding - Bird’s Bread

If Wilding had delivered Bird's Bread unto Australia's 1960-70s music scene, it's highly unlikely anyone would have batted an eyelid; so rich and nostalgic are his references to '60s British pop music he's more likely to have garnered unanimous pats on the back all round. But despite this, Wilding's debut long-player incorporates the right amount of his penchant for lovelorn lyrics and his take on sunny, vintage pop-rock to make it a delightful standalone listen.

With The Boat People's Robin Waters in the producer's chair, Wilding skips and laments his way through tracks that straddle various whimsical soundscapes that alternate in sounding like a stroll through strawberry fields and drowning in murky water. From opener I'll Be There, an upbeat bopper that immediately demonstrates Wilding's gifted restraint in using raw instrumentation, to the grandiose music hall sounds of tinkly piano and high octave bass in I'll Love You Until Monday Morning, there's an overall knowing sense of intent behind all Bird's Bread's 12 tracks. Wurlitzer-like keys in Alopecia and the chilling and ponderous chord pattern in Are You Listening? are completely removed from each other and yet the album as a whole simply binds together and works. Although there's room for embellishment (perhaps more soulful guitar and harmonica breakouts), Wilding has used his players purposely which simply adds to its dignified charm.

What is so wondrous about Bird's Bread is that while the melodic lines and retro instrumentation are indeed memorable, the thing that ensures subsequent listens is the feeling that Wilding has earned our trust; it's like a personal invite to his big, warm house for a cuppa while suggesting we pull up a bean bag.