The Fuzzy Blog

Bird of Youth’s album Defender was produced by Will Sheff of Okkervil River and Phil Palazzolo (The New Pornographers, Ted Leo, Neko Case), recorded with the help of a cast of players that includes members  of The Wrens, Nada Surf, The National, Okkervil River and the Mendoza Line. The album recalls the classic and college rock Wawerna grew up with, as well as the swagger of old New York girl groups and the insight and sarcasm the early new wave songwriters. Wawerna’s vocals find a perfect match in lead guitarist Clinton Newman, whose lush, multilayered harmonies and intertwining guitar parts give this record its distinctive sound - something like Chrissie Hynde fronting Squeeze or Nico signed to Stiff Records.
 
A recent triumph for Wawerna and the band came about just before heading into the studio to put the finishing touches on Defender late this past summer. Wawerna and Bird of Youth had their hard work validated with a 4 week August residency at The Living Room that saw standing only crowds, and drew support and guest performances from friends like Charles Bissell of The Wrens, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, and Sheff  of Okkervil River. A true musician’s musician, in their relatively short career as a live band, Wawerna and Bird of Youth have had the pleasure of appearing with and opening up for The Wrens, The Mendoza Line, Okkervil River, Roky Erickson, Mark Eitzel of American Music Club, and A.C. Newman among others.
 
With the May 24th release of Defender, Bird of Youth plan to play out in New York and tour as much as possible this coming spring and summer, bringing their literate observations and boozy intellect to new fans along the way.

Listen to “Bombs Away, She’s Here To Stay”.