For me listening to the latest release from Birdsongs of the Mesozoic entitled The Iridium Controversy is listening outside my comfort zone. But then that can be a good thing. How else will one discover what else is out there. Right? It should be said that the first thing to catch my eye on this new Birdsongs release is the Roger Dean cover. Being a longtime fan of his work, I can spot it a mile away even when it’s condensed down to the size of a CD. Apparently after seeing the band perform at the NEARfest prog festival he was so taken with the band that they continued corresponding which resulted in him creating the cover art.

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic really need no introduction having been around since the early eighties. In the Progressive Rock Files I described their style thusly; “The band combines elements of classical, progressive, avant-garde and hints of industrial to create a unique urgent sound. A bizarre and unusual sense of composition.” And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Certainly not much has changed in the band’s approach since I wrote that. They’ve simply gotten even better at translating their approach to the finished product. I gotta’ say that “Make the Camera Dance” is one of the strangest and catchiest pieces I’ve heard in a long time, with it’s repeating up-beat motif. What a great composition. And then there is the catchy guitar riff in “Sherpas on Parade”, that’s a great piece too. The more I listen to this CD the more I enjoy it.

But then that’s what fans have come to expect with the Birdsongs. Music that is challenging, a bit off centre, with something different around every corner and with The Iridium Controversy, they don’t disappoint. The 12 tracks, mostly in the 4 – 5 minute range feature smooth transitions from one unusual melody to the next. Maybe it’s just me, but the one thing I notice more this time around is that many of the compositions are all structured on a firmer melodic foundation. The band’s musical excursions tend to weave in and out of the pieces foundation, almost always returning to the central theme or idea. The music is dramatic, moody, at times atmospheric and definitely holds your interest through each intricate instrumental excursion.

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic’s new release The Iridium Controversy is a worthy addition to their catalog and sees them continuing to create progressive music in their inimitably unique style. I’m sure existing fans will love this new release, but if you’ve not yet heard Birdsongs of the Mesozoic this would be a good place to start. Open your ears to something new.

Review by Jerry Lucky
January 30, 2004