BIRDMASK – ARTIST SHOWCASE AND SINGLE REVIEW

Birdmask is the alter ego of the incredibly talented Swiss-American multi-instrumentalist Manuel Gagneux. Gagneux is also a founding member of the avant-garde metal band, Zeal and Ardor. On their two albums, Zeal and Ardor combined elements of soul, death metal and folk.

The prolific Birdmask released three L.P.s in 2018 covering multi genres and styles. Birdmark, Claws, and I’m Fine (And Other Lies) all showcased Gagneux ability to mesh conflicting musical grooves in order to create something new and exciting. His songwriting is impressive and his voice full of desire and fury. Each album and song is seeped in its own flavor seasoned to perfection. Every tune has an unique nuance that revolutionizes your rhythmic sensibilities. Just listen to “Clementine” on Birdmask. It starts with a funky folk beat that transforms into an industrial melt down. And it works ideally. Another intriguing song on Birdmask is the fascinating “Doubt”. The slow dirge with its lecherous overtones has an engaging synth background that forges a strange union that totally works. On both tunes, Birdmask‘s vocals are dynamic and dramatic.

After spending several years with his Zeal and Ardor project, Gagneux has returned with a new Birdmask single. “Set Me On Fire”, released in June, is a percussion laden soul infused powerhouse of a song. It’s a fire and brimstone testament to emotional and romantic torment. Birdmask is firing on all cylinders. The tone is sensual and his vocals are intense and raw. In a recent article Gagneux stated “I’ve had this song ready for a couple of years now but being preoccupied with other projects kind of forced me to leave it on the back burner. I feel it’s about time to let it out. Birdmask will always be the name I identify most with. It feels like coming home in a sense.“.

“Set Me On Fire” was the catalyst that sent me on a quest to hear more of Birdmask‘s music. After listening to his older material, it bewilders me how Gagneux isn’t the rage. His music has dark foreboding shades like a NIN or Chelsea Wolfe yet still has the pop sensibilities of Imagine Dragons and The Weekend. His creativity is through the roof. In the last few years, I can’t remember an artist that has moved and dazzled me as much as Birdmask has. As I am writing this piece I am listening to “Early Mournings” from I’m Fine (And Other Lies) and it is completely blowing me away. Gagneux entire vibe is something original and cutting edge.

I can’t wait to hear what Birdmask has in store for the future. Hopefully the near future. This is why I write this blog. To find new music that caresses the soul. Please give Birdmask an ear. I know you won’t be disappointed.

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