Vocal harmonies – when a band tries and fails, the resulting noise is just that. However, those that succeed can find that magical connection so sought after by performers and audiences. White Birds (featuring former members of Drink Up Buttercup) are a four-piece lo-fi group whose first full-length album When Women Played Drums exhibits the potential power of vocals. While operatically trained lead singer James Harvey’s high-pitched tone is prominent, multi-layered harmonies are frequently incorporated giving tracks such as “Mirrors in Mirrors” an authentic, intensely emotional sensitivity. It may seem rather natural to compare White Birds to other neofolk, vocally dominated outfits such as Fleet Foxes, because their brand of music is similar, but simply on a base level. The interplay of White Birds’ rhythm section pushes the music forward taking a house that is founded on the raw spirit of the human voice and allowing it to build up and branch out creating an atmosphere which, at its peak, can grip the listener with a chilling sense of immediacy. They’ll be opening this evening for most excellent Australian psych rockers Pond and Brooklyn indie rockers Oberhofer. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by David Turcotte) – Michael Colavita
