Wildbirds & Peacedrums

There are masses of experimental artists out there in the world. We’re talking about artists who make music that can be as baffling to most as complex algebra. However, the vast majority of them don’t take that experimental streak into their live show, indeed, they’re mostly a bunch of serious looking dudes slouching behind a keyboard and perhaps a laptop if they’re feeling flash. Wildbirds and Peacedrums, however, aren’t like those bands. In fact, they are the kind of band that you should see live simply so you can know that I’m not messing with you, dear reader. The Swedish husband and wife duo perform live using nothing but drums, different kinds of percussion, and a few samples here and there. What’s more, their music isn’t at all difficult or inaccessible. No, while it’s thrillingly weird, it’s still very catchy, and held together with Mariam Wallentin’s delectable vocals. After a while it becomes crystal clear how they’d get support slots with kindred spirits St Vincent and Lykke Li. However, Wildbirds and Peacedrums are far from a novelty. While the sight of the two of them on stage making great music with a drum kit and not much else is fascinating in and of itself for the first twenty minutes of the show, you’ll soon discover that the substance far outweighs the style. The band you’re watching has a fantastic chance of becoming one of the great art-pop bands of our time, and if they don’t, you’ll still get an unforgettable show out of it. Highly recommended.