The highly anticipated new album from composer, trumpeter and now singer jaimie branch is finally here. FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise is the name of ers new project and it’s a follow up to her debut album Fly or Die, which was among one of the best albums of 2017. This new project is bold, experimental and soulful, a beautiful and reflective work of art that will surely stand the test of time.
The slow-paced percussive opener “birds of paradise” is a somewhat unsettling, yet reflective start to this project. The central piece to this album to me is the second track “prayer for amerikkka pt. 1 & 2,” which is an 11 minute thriller, with heavy drums, percussion, cello, guitar and wailing trumpet leads throughout. It’s a racially charged track that sees the talented musician praying for America, calling out a “bunch of wide-eyed racists” in a visceral, unapologetic manner. The heavy tone of this track really hits hard and after listening to it, I kind of felt like I needed a break. Her energy is infectious, and it continues throughout the album. “twenty-three n me, jupiter redux” is a colourful, frantic track with an abrasive energy that just beats throughout the track, not leaving any time for rest. The compositions on “nuevo roquero estéreo” and “love song” are gentler in tones, with gorgeous basslines and trumpet melodies that are gorgeous to me. The energetic drumming is still present throughout these two tracks, as they close the album out beautifully. Overall this album is a dense musical masterpiece with a heavy energy that evokes love, hate and fear all in one. An excellent album.
Listen to jaimie branch’s new album FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise below via Bandcamp and don’t forget to support! Released via International Anthem.
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