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Fish in a Birdcage counsels listeners about life in the enamoring album "Mentors."

asonginlife


An extensive and meticulous project, the latest album "Mentors" from the seasoned singer-songwriter Fish in a Birdcage is stuffed to the brim with life lessons. In an idiosyncratic fashion of titling tracks with "Rule #," the alias has exercised his creative skills in writing and composing lyrically rich folk-pop records— even more impressive is the eclectic range of styles covered on this expansive project— leading to a culmination of wisdom ingrained on riveting cadences.


Dustan Townsend, whose brainchild is this experimental moniker, explains his urgency as an artist to break through hindering conventions (or a 'cage' as denoted by his pseudonym). Thinking out of the proverbial box is easier said than done, but it is a mainstay in his discography and "Mentors." From the debut EP that came out over a decade ago, the Canadian troubadour has engrossed listeners with thoughtful lyricism delivered through rich layers of instrumentation. Such level of artistry hasn't gone unnoticed, as Fish in a Birdcage has lured hundreds of millions of listeners to his diverse musical catalog, competently proving his impact on the scene thus far.


Such impressive and hard-to-replicate feats are a result of severe dedication to art for years: Dustan has had a long and fulfilling relationship with music; after a childhood focused on learning it, he ventured into performing on streets as a busker and by 23, he was at the onset of his professional music career. Another milestone moment in this journey was his switch to cello, which invoked a deep fascination with instruments that still thrives in him.


This comes into practice early on in the album with "Microphone": dramatic strings come into play, as the composer inquires the listener what wisdom they want to dispense through a microphone, heard by millions simultaneously. The baroque and classical crossover gives an intense inception to this LP, followed by the philosophical "Long Way Home": this tune aligns towards alt-rock with the clean-toned guitars and quick drums, and a songwriting musing upon today's society. The titular act arrives as the third song in a self-empowering disposition, probing deeper into Chamber-pop and indie-folk fusion of a signature.


As rule #39, "Lore" reminded us of swirling sea shanty arrangements, while the singer emphasizes the significance of collective wisdom instilled by one generation to another. "Fever Pitch" summons frolicking piano chords in lively verses, giving away to elevated choruses; all the while the crooner is utterly grateful for things seemingly impossible, usually taken for granted (with the chorus repeating "The luck we've found, it has no bounds, the odds of winning, a moving body").


Yet, the album has more to offer— "Badger" is a funky rock tune, complete with a cavorting and athletic ensemble that encourages not to throw in the towel so early. For the closing act "Poet," a melodic cascade of piano notes in the verses grabs attention, while the core theme of the track is every bit supportive of following one's dreams and achieving those aspirations.


Listen to "Mentors" on Spotify, and stay tuned with Fish in a Birdcage on his website and Instagram.




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