A Star-Studded Must

Drummer Kyle Crane is no stranger to the indie music world from his time touring with Neko Case and M. Ward and acting as a drum double in the film Whiplash. Crane takes a step forward literally with the release of his debut solo album where he is in front of the drum kit this time. Crane Like the Bird is a story from start to finish of flourishing love of his family and the numbing loss of his father in a helicopter crash. With the help of a star-studded lineup of features, the nine-track LP is a touching tale from start to finish.

The album opens with “Wishing Cap” featuring James Mercer of The Shins. A fast-paced tune where Mercer takes the lead in vocals, the track explores the idea of finding an old shoebox of letters and reflecting on old times. “Nicole” featuring Ben Bridwell of Band Of Horses is another fast-paced track all about finding life’s silver lining. The lyrics jump from appreciating family to mental health issues and everything in between.

“Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park” takes a more melodic turn through the album. Country-esque guitars pair rhythmically with light keys to take the listener through four minutes and seven seconds of quiet self-reflection. It’s the type of song you would play as you drive down a coastal highway trying to figure out the next step in your life.

“Mendocino” featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun feels like a psychedelic, futuristic indie anthem. Steele’s poppy vocals plus Crane’s emotional lyrics equal a real whirlwind indie track. “When I See” featuring Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes brings a somber note to the album as Crane takes a trip down memory lane of times with his late father. The song changes tempos as times and brings in soft drums, light guitar riffs and keys to create a feeling of whimsy with an edge of guilt, “When I see your face, will I be older than you?”

“Kaleidoscope” featuring Sabina Sciubba of Brazilian Girls and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau takes a different turn in the album, creating an actual feeling of being inside of a kaleidoscope with the colors flying by, falling into one another creating a whole new picture and sound. “Glass Half Full” featuring Peter Moren of Peter Bjorn and John is an electric trip through the ’60s and ’70s. Synths, keys, crazy percussion and guitars create a happy-go-lucky sound. The album ends with “The Painter” featuring producer and mixer M. Ward. The track sounds like the thank you letter we all need to send to our moms. The slower indie track combines Ward’s vocals with the heartfelt lyrics from Crane, “Moonstone, ruby, right-hand wedding ring, easygoing / It’s not dust collecting / Shari, look and see, we’re your painting.”