Metaphors relating a band's sound to their name can come off as lazy and uninspired, but in the case of Glendale, California's Biirdie, it's impossible to resist the temptation to make such a connection. The shifting folk-tinged pop exhibited on the band's forthcoming second LP, Catherine Avenue, tends to soar freely like the winged animals they borrow their name from; album cut "LA Is Mars" is no exception.

In just under four and a half minutes, Biirdie shift effortlessly between the countrified balladry of early Wilco, the sunny harmonies of the Elephant 6 collective, and 70's Laurel Canyon guitar pop. Vocalist Jared Flamm's creaky moan is perfectly complimented by the accompanying vocal harmonies that the rest of the band supplies; the searing countrified guitar licks near the song's end add expansive depth as Flamm muses, "Do you feel like you were living life in a dream?" Any of these musical elements standing alone would be considered relatively average; however, Biirdie synthesize their influences to create pretty, laid-back Americana that justifies their sonic flights of fancy. Catherine Avenue drops Jan. 22 via Love Minus Zero. 

Now Hear This:
Biirdie - "LA Is Mars" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
Biirdie at MySpace
flyawaybiirdie.com

Talk: Do you agree with Biirdie that L.A. might be another planet?