At 73 years old, David Byrne continues to curve his career in all manner of ways. Spending decades fronting one of the 20^th century’s most influential new-wave bands, the Scottish-American singer himself has turned back towards a solo stint. 

His days of wiggling on stage in enormous menswear may be long behind, but that joyful spirit remains. This is evident through any of the upcoming studio album ‘Who Is The Sky’s colourful promotion, due to hit record stores across the globe on the 5^th of September. The album has been produced in collaboration with NYC-based ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra- the kind of title that demands a memorable sound. From this sophomore single, that doesn’t appear to be an issue. 

Interestingly titled ‘The Avant Garde’, Byrne explores typical themes of self-awareness in art, not unlike your average natter in the Tate Modern. The lyrics may carry that same playful offhand nature of Talking Heads’ discography, but fear not for lack of originality, as the track opens to let us know that “I saw a woman in a leotard”. Byrne’s crisp vocals stretch and curve around every word of such a story and its observational fragments.  He remains the very quintessential songwriter of perspective that many have grown to love, down to each belted pre-chorus. Describing the artistic matter all as “deceptively weighty, profoundly absurd” is the exact kind of wit to be expected. 

As for Ghost Train Orchestra’s instrumentation and the chaotic production of British recording artist Kid Harpoon, the phrase “nightmarish circus” comes to mind at points. The song opens with somewhat sinister keys over Byrne’s vocals and interludes of sharp horns. It’s peculiar and a little menacing, but the perfect kind of enticement for all seen of the album so far and world-wariness of our times. Driving guitars may add a modern twist at the pre-chorus and a sense of the Orchestra’s musical diversity, yet the single never loses that initial wonder in the best way possible, surprising listeners throughout. 

The rest of Byrne and Ghost Train Orchestra’s collaboration is sure to draw in further creativity at this level, and the musical world will be better for it. 

 

Sofia Neal

@girlfailmarkcorrigan_

Image: Shervin Lainez

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider buying us a coffee. The money from this pot goes to the ever-increasing yearly costs of running and hosting the site, and our “Writer Of The Month” cash prize.