Song of the Day: Arbor Labor Union - Mr. Birdsong

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Mr. Birdsong” by Arbor Labor Union from their 2016 album, I Hear You, on Sub Pop.

Arbor Labor Union - Mr. Birdsong (MP3)"I AM NOT INSANE!" proclaims singer Bo Orr of Georgia band Arbor Labor Union on their single "Mr. Birdsong" but based on the press release for their debut LP under this moniker (they were previously known as Pinecones), it's possible doth might protest too much. They tell a parable of their unification as a band coming from "a mighty, green Conifer tree whose limbs were wider than the smile on the sun." A pine cone fell from this tree and, apparently, inside each pine cone lies all the possible decisions a person can make in their life. On this particular day "was the possibility that 4 lifelong friends would decide to form an eternal union founded in sound. Arbor Labor Union was born!" This story continues in a very Henry David Thoreau-esque way.

As far as their sound goes, Arbor Labor Union take cues from Southern rock and sprawling psychedelic. "Mr. Birdsong" is 7+ minutes and ALU doesn't waste a second of it. At the start, the fluttering flutes and throbbing guitar signal the beginning of something epic. The track is produced by Randall Dunn, who's worked with Earth, Sunn0))), Thurston Moore, and Black Mountain and his mark is apparent. If this is what insanity looks like, I don't want to be sane.

Arbor Labor Union has no current plans to tour but are playing a number of gigs in Georgia. In the meantime, keep up with them on Facebook and check out the official video for "Volume Peaks" below.