Sounds Made By Humans. Brian Bilston and The Catenary Wires

Those paying attentions will have noticed the two singles that came by in the past months, 'Alexa, What Is There To Know About Love' and 'Every Song On The Radio Reminds Me Of You'. U.K. poet Brian Bilston has teamed up with The Catenary Wires. Together they've set poems of Bilston to music in a mix of spoken word and singing. In this fashion they created songs that are extremely pleasant to listen to.

Brian Bilston is a modern style poet, who started with releasing his poems online and from there created a huge following, including live performances. The Catenary Wires consists of Amelia Fletcher, Rob Pursey, Ian Button and Fay Hallam on keyboard. Previously they have released three albums.

Sounds Made By Humans is an album that in all ways is very British. The music is a mix of 80s indie, think The Smiths and new wave, smart Britpop like Blur and indie folk and pop from bands like Belle and Sebastian. It results in songs that are either light of sound and intricate. There are exceptions like '31 Rules For Midlife Rebellion', that is more an alternative form of hip hop. It's like Bilston says "never ever follow rules". But there's far more to it than just light guitar work and sweet singing. 'As I Grow Old I Will March Not Shuffle' is almost dark rock.

I started my 'Alexa, What Is There To Know About Love' review with a line like I do not have a brain for poetry. To end my review of 'Every Song On The Radio Reminds Me Of You' that many lyrics are poetry of course. And, yes, I do not always understand (the deeper meaning of) lyrics either. Lyrics are there to listen to but just as much, if not more to sing along with. That makes it a lot easier than reading poetry. Enter Sounds Made By Humans.

Photo: Simon Robinson

Now several poems here are in part descriptions of every day life or an "adventure" that happened. Set to music and lyrics they are easy to follow. On the basis of the singles, I had already surrendered and with the album I am certainly more than okay. The changes in the musical genre makes the album even more intriguing. The Catenary Wires manages to keep the listener on his toes for the whole record as the variations it presents, is simply great fun.

Yes, I was sceptical when I read the concept but gave it a chance anyway and have become quite a content listener to Sounds Made By Humans.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

You can listen to and order Sounds Made By Humans here:

https://catenarywires.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-made-by-humans-by-brian-bilston-and-the-catenary-wires