Birthday is a bedroom pop track that flits between grandiose and reserved, just as its author jumps back and forth between English and Japanese.
There’s a languid, lo-fi sweetness in the verses here that reminds us of our own Noa Mal. Still, throughout the song, there’s also a palpable undertone of bombastic musical ambition.
As the song starts, it’s gentle and plodding with a lightly strummed clean electric guitar and a rhythm section that doesn’t deviate from the basics done well.
Just before the chorus kicks in, we’re joined by a Lennon-esque piano part (or keys) and then at least one other dirty guitar when it picks up fully. It’s the classic quiet/loud/quiet dynamic, and it’s excellently executed.
When the chorus comes back a second time, we notice beautiful layers of vocals in the background lending the song an almost choral quality.
The song’s crowning glory is its last minute, where it reaches its epic apex. The lead vocal melody changes and acts as a counterpoint to the backing vocals, and the mood feels absolutely celebratory. The vocal turns clearer but at the same time huskier, and Cana reminds us of a cross between Macy Gray and Juliana Hatfield.
We don’t understand the lyrics, but the music speaks to us. And it says enough.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
