Seth Glier: Birds

From its low cast opening track, somewhat misleadingly named “Sunshine,” through to a series of songs that sway discreetly but without hesitation, Birds often comes across just as elusive as its title implies. As Glier’s proven in the past, he’s a master when it comes to manipulating emotion with songs that switch sentiments as easily as some people switch their socks. Indeed, no sooner have the final notes of “Sunshine” melted away, then Glier changes course with the twitchy rhythms of “Water On Fire,” a song that’s edgy, abrasive, driving and defiant. That in turn is followed by the poppy and precocious title track, lending a sense of schizophrenia due to Glier’s desire to shake up his sound.

It gives the album an auspicious introduction, but then again Glier has always made it apparent that his higher ambitions are essential to his MO. Still, his precise phrasing and subtle touches provide all the incentive needed to encourage further listenings. The lovely yet unassuming “Just Because I Can” and the subtler strains of “Too Much Water” somehow seem to surge on even the slightest suggestion, an indication that he’s all too adept when it comes to nuance and knowhow.