Bird of Youth appear to be the kind to think long and hard about their craft. The Atlanta natives reportedly spent years on their debut album, and their follow-up has been half a decade in the making. That follow-up, Get Off, begins in eloquent fashion. The album’s title is about one of the record’s few moments of aggression, as we’re treated to Beth Wawerna’s Cranberries-esque vocals and a delightful mix of folk and classic dream pop on the opening tracks. “Dad” then recalls the more jangly work of Of Monsters and Men, minus the brass. Refreshingly, the folk influences on the record never act as justifications for sparse instrumentation or a reluctance to be creative; there’s a vibrant energy about the album from head to toe, and it’s been mixed to perfection.
The powerful vocal harmonies across the board will impress music snobs, whilst moments of the record also recall classic ’80s pop (“Glory Knows” and “Sons & Daughters” are two of the tracks responsible for this throwback). Despite the clear handle they have on their style, Bird of Youth readily dabble in other tonal blends, too. Their attempts to diversify aren’t always pulled off effectively, but the effort is there. For instance, the guitar solo in “Burn” has come at just the right time, adding a new dimension to the album at the halfway mark. Not so lucky is “Bitter Filth”. With its somewhat generic, controlled distortion, it doesn’t seem to suit Wawerna’s vocal style. Nevertheless, the album continues to offer new sounds to its listener in a creative, cohesive manner. It’s an impressive follow-up fit for a road trip or a retrospective Mother’s Day gift.