SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ANDY STOCHANSKY – POETRY OF BIRDS

ANDY STOCHANSKY
POETRY OF BIRDS
ARTHAUS

Since 1995, Andy Stochansky has been making very intriguing albums and has worked with some very talented artists (Kurt Swinghammer, Ani DiFranco, Goo Goo Dolls and Annie Lennox). But with Poetry Of Birds Stochansky goes solo and has created a brilliant, textured album full of strong melodies and lyrics. It is his first solo album since 2020’s Debut (which is also credited to White Elephant Orchestra). Poetry Of Birds is an album that unfolds like a fascinating map, and it takes the listener to multiple places.

Stochansky’s music is sparse and in that sense this is a wide-open album. He allows the songs to meander and unwind in his soundscape, and he builds up each song from the bare bones. “God’s Tree” is an excellent example. He brings in each instrument quietly and peacefully. Listen to how he introduces the synthesizer at one point. It is subtle but adds so much to the emotion to the song. This is just one example, he does it throughout the album and he does it extremely well.

There are no heavy rock sounds on the album, just a gentle flow throughout the entire album. Stochansky writes about his observances and embraces his emotions throughout. That does not mean it is all rosy all the time, quite the opposite, but Stochansky and his pleading vocals invite the listener into his world. “Like The Sun”, for example, is a very real love song that does more than just go through the motions. The same can be said for the closing track, “Stupid Perfect” with a wonderful and lush arrangement.

Stochansky lets the songs roll out and his calm and yet expressive vocals add so much to each song. Poetry Of Birds does not fall into any genre. It is pop music with twists and turns. Both musically and lyrically. It is also the type of album that one wants to flip over and start it all over again when it finishes. It seems too short, but its length is perfect. Stochansky does not overstay his welcome nor does he cut it too short, it is perfect the way it is.

SPILL FEATURE: SING EVERY SINGLE SONG UNTIL IT HURTS – A CONVERSATION WITH ANDY STOCHANSKY

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