EP Review: Balance

Hailing from Hamilton is Caleb Bird a.k.a. Biobird, a local drum and bass DJ. His latest EP, Balance, is a means of expressing the struggle to maintain balance, when the negative outweighs the positive.

Tracking at just over 45 minutes in length, the 12-track release contains a right mix of styles from dark to chill. Biobird’s style has always lended itself towards the darker ambient style, but his experience in the live music scene is present throughout the album as it peaks and troughs, varying pace and style to keep the energy building.

The EP begins with Welcome. A slow build-up with distorted electric guitar and dark ambient noises followed by some vocals with layered effects “Behold that is, and that of which shall be. Behold the intent, the expression of one’s soul. Behold the beginning, the spark to flame”. A statement of intent, before it continues into Dot Dot; a continuation and expanse of the dark and grimy vibe from the preceding track with an industrial spin. The sort of track that would fit in well in the Queen of the Damned Soundtrack.

Switching it up, DaChillPill, as explained in the name is one of the more laidback tracks of the release. Slower in tempo, the suave and jazzy style with smooth keys and vocal-like samples, the minimal track is held together with a consistent, unfailing drumbeat. Lounge Bar-esque in quality, the vibe is comfortable and friendly. The release continues to transition from one genre to another using electronic samples combined with keys and guitar, clean and distorted effects, but a consistent beat remains throughout.  

The release has something to appeal to any mood; relaxing with DaChillPill, FutureWub or IntrinsicSoul, brooding with Welcome and Dot Dot, or just wanting to move on the dance floor with Good Vibe, Dunk Chunk N Funk, Ragnorok, and Biobird Release. 

As an observation, I have yet to play the album and not have someone approach me to ask, “Who is this?”. The release just has that vibe that entrances anybody that listens to it. I can’t believe that all of Biobird’s music is free.

_{Review written by Alex Moulton}