Denver indie/emo rock group, Aviary Girl combines the talented forces of some of Colorado’s best local acts (Silver & Gold, Monteneros, and Prepare the Joust) for a timeless and cathartic listen on their newest EP, Nocturnal Phase. Driven by sweeping guitar work, a strong rhythm section and emotive vocals, Nocturnal Phase is reminiscent of the Drive-Thru Records era of early 2000’s emo, but in a way that doesn’t feel gimmicky or over-nostalgic. Instead, the EP just feels genuine.
The EP’s opening track, “Telling Stories” really sets the tone for the songs that follow, driven by gorgeous, cinematic songwriting, emotive vocals and a chorus that is bound to get stuck in your head. Meanwhile, the following track, “Slow Down” is the perfect counterpart to “Telling Stories” – not quite as fast paced, but where it lacks in a catchy chorus or driving tone, it makes up with stunning vocal work and beautiful, sweeping guitar.
Nocturnal Phase is refreshing, and it’s because Aviary Girl don’t try to fit any specific mold or pretend to be something that they’re not. Instead, songs like the energetic “Write This Off Tonight” sit perfectly alongside the slower, emotional, “A Story and a Song.” The cumulation of all of the different influences and sounds on the EP is definitely the fifth track, “Cold and Calculated,” which jumps with ease between slower, more toned-down emotional moments, soaring vocals and musical crescendos. Timeless, refreshing and incredibly unique, Nocturnal Phase is a perfect taste-test of Aviary Girl’s sound for new listeners and shows quite a bit of promise for their future.
LISTEN TO: “Telling Stories” or “Cold and Calculated”