Birds That Change Colour

The psychfolk band Birds That Change Colour was formed by Singer-songwriter-guitarist Koen Kohlbacher. In 2007 he teamed up with drummer Dave Schroyen (Millionaire/Evil Superstars/Creature with the Atom Brain) and bass player- producer Christophe Albertijn. In their hometown of Antwerp “Birds” quickly attracted a cult following with their eclectic mix of melancholy psych folk and frisky sixties pop. Soon they became a regular fixture in the clubs of Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels. Koen’s warm expressive voice got noticed by Aldo Struyf who asked him to become Creature with the Atom Brain’s guest vocalist. This also lead to a guest appearance on their album Transylvania and a duet with Mark Lanegan.

While listening to Birds you can hear echoes of Syd Barret, The incredible String Band, and Midlake on top of the melodic harmonies of The Beatles. Although standing on the shoulders of these giants, Birds That Change Colour sound fresh and original. Their songwriting, recordings and performances always combine the traditional with a healthy dose of experimentation and wit, reminiscent of the young Kevin Ayers. Despite their shared love for the Westcoast music, Country folk and even Krautrock, the sound of Birds That Change Colour has a distinctly British feel to it, always putting the song first and a dreamy ambience a close second.

Birds’ first album “On Recording the Sun” - to be released in the spring of 2011 by Munich Records - contains an intricate collection of hauntingly beautiful songs, studded with precious psych gems. There are guest appearances from Pascal Deweze ( Sukilove, Broken Glass Heroes) and Nathalie Delcroix (Laïs, Country Ladies) who‘s voice is more enchanting than ever. Birds also coöperated with internationally celebrated classical musicians; Patrick Denecker and Piet Stryckers. Their contributions on songs as Woods and O What a Day are just marvellous and of an irresistible beauty! On Recording the Sun is a treat as it captures the essence of classic 70’s recordings. The entrancing vocals backed up by heartfelt string- and recorder arrangements add to the bucolic enchantment and melancholy of an album which sounds playful and dark at the same time, like riding a merry-go-round just before dawn.