Shaven Primates‘ Birds Aren’t Real EP is a 25-minute showcase of the UK band’s alt. rock style. The 5-member outfit’s sound is groove-laden and sonically eclectic. Present in it are shades of dark-wave, art-rock and proto/post-punk.

With Birds Aren’t Real, the Oxford-based group delivered five introspective songs delving not only into topical issues but also personal (or close to personal) experiences. The music complements the complex themes brought out in the lyrics. At the very foundation of Shaven Primates’ writing is a deep connection to human emotion.

The first track “Fade Away” is song is about the rise of fascism in social media. The sound borrows influences from both the past and present, with 80’s punk and modern synth styles being incorporated. A lovely guitar riff introduces this tune.

“A Decision” comes filled with melodies, which do present a contrast to the harrowing topic the song tackles. It is about the suicide of someone close, with the production accentuating the emotion expressed. There orchestral and gothic elements further add to that emotive feeling. “Unmasked” is another affecting piece which fosters resilience.

We live in a world of growing polarization and Shaven Primates do reckon this as they warn us against repeating past mistakes on “Silicon Implants”. Sonically, this one sounds like an outlier of sorts. Its wild rhythms and vocal chants are representative of the chaos being referenced, with the lyrics reminding us of historical cases. The line “Nazis back” sums the message.

With title track “Birds Aren’t Real”, the thoughtful gets to the conspirational but in quite a refreshing, tongue-in-cheek manner. The song is about alternative truths, some of which actually border on the absurd. The music is quite captivating and danceable as well.

Birds Aren’t Real shows real depth in songwriting. The instrumentation employed by Shaven Primates succeeds in supporting the lyrics to provoke thought and contemplation.

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