“When Birds Write Poems” is the musical equivalent of a warm cup of tea: a sleepy, playful ode to the importance of community and collective meaning-making. The second single off of Banti Ghenet’s debut album, Stroll Down Pearl, the Night is Young, Boston-based Banti Ghenet describes his work as a “narrative song project” that “[wraps] stories in rich layered soundscapes and indie rock sensibilities”.
In this particular soundscape, lush and dreamy synth chords lay a sonic foundation for gentle, soothing harmonies, crooned to us by Banti and guest star Rachel Eber (from local Boston band Ragu). Sampled bird sounds add vitality as warm guitar chords accompany playful lyricism that sincerely reflects on the ways in which our art helps us connect to each other.
As a fellow resident of the Boston area, I think of the many birds that I see inhabiting my neighborhood; the parallels between their birdsong and the talented artists that call this city home, including Banti Buli themselves. He calls this album “a love letter to my musical community”, and you can clearly hear that fondness woven into this soft-spoken indie rock gem. I eagerly look forward to listening to more when the full album Stroll Down Pearl, the Night is Young drops on November 7.
Written by Cassie Toby
