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The Whybirds are a four-piece rock 'n' roll band from
Bedford, England.
All four members of the band are singer/songwriters - with influences
including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, The Band, Pearl Jam and Whiskeytown - giving the group a diverse range of songs and vocal styles, but without straying from The Whybirds' sanguine brand of rock 'n' roll.
Free of the pretence and sheep-like tendencies embraced by most other young British bands, it is the Whybirds' ability to combine uplifting music with meaningful lyrics that makes the band so enjoyable live and so compelling on record.
The public, promoters and press are starting to catch the bug. The Whybirds sold out their album launch at the Camden Barfly, and have secured themselves a residency at the Man on the Moon in Cambridge (the band will play at the Norfolk Street venue on the first Thursday of every month until July).
In just over a year of playing as The Whybirds, the band has already released two CDs – the Tonight EP in August 2007 and the self-titled, full-length debut album this March. Both records were produced by Nick Mailing (The Quireboys, The Ravines, Sister Ray) and have been well received by the band's loyal fanbase. Both are available from their website here.
The band are currently working on material for a second LP, and have been playing a lot of the new songs live. On Saturday 13 September, the 'birds will be headlining the world-famous Borderline in London as part of the venue's 20th anniversary celebrations. Buy tickets here.
Press
Bedford Roar Club:
Great big rollicking honkytonk
harmonies jump into a kingsize water-bed with songs made out of
tears, beers and cactus.
Cambridge Bands website:
The Whybirds are without doubt one of the best bands I've ever seen. Two guitarists, a bassist and drummer - unbelievably tight and energetic - and they all sing! If you get the chance to see them or even book them for your venue then do it.
Martin Stapleton, Esquires, Bedford (17/5/08):
The Whybirds are a quartet heavily driven by 70's country A.O.R. and have the appearance to match. Long shaggy hair with bushy beards to boot! Plus, what they have in bundles is the ability to make sweet music.
As well as the rich tuneful harmonies, there is a timeless quality in the lyrics. "What it Means" is a case in point. A delicious composition, full of feel-good combinations, it takes time out to include a raunchy guitar solo midway through. This upbeat spirit continues with "Four Little Letters", which for this reviewer should spell g-o-o-d! "Turn Right (I'll Turn Left)" is a Whybirds standard that resoundingly builds to a forceful crescendo. "Make Me Numb" is my favourite. It's a real foot-tapping, head-nodding jaunty drinking song and tonight I need no prompting! If I knew all the words I'm sure I would join in, but it's only the chorus I can follow and it's easy to sing "I'm still at the bar", and that's good enough for me!
"Hauling" is catchy and inviting. It reminds me of something that legendary country rockers The Band would have composed. The quartet are in unison as they sing "blow out the candles and haul away". Also from the new album is "Girl is on Fire". Again this possesses an emotional melody. The guitar solo once more takes the ear. It almost brings to a close a marvellous and entertaining set by a band pretty unique locally to us at Esquires. There is still time, however, for the ironically titled "Before I Go Crazy", which is something surely no-one will suffer when they are in the company of The Whybirds. A very talented band of musicians.
Nightshift Magazine, Jericho Tavern, Oxford (3/5/08):
At first sight, The Whybirds look like a bad accident with a time machine. They are flowing haired, Lynyrd Skynyrd-style rock stars that have stumbled off a tour bus from Okie Fanokie, USA circa 1969. But titter ye not, they turn out to be one of the most consummate and charismatic British bands I’ve ever seen. They have four lead singers of great quality, and in taking their turn, each subtly changes the texture of the band. By the end I don’t want them to leave the stage, the crowd whooping and hollering, and I think, I really wouldn’t want to follow that.
Seatwave.com, 12 Bar Club, London (1/11/07):
The Whybirds are a mix of Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd and occasional Eagles. They are a four-piece with four lead singers, two lead guitarists, great harmonies and terrific songs. A very tight and competent band.
Martin Stapleton, Esquires, Bedford (9/6/07):
The highlight of the evening comes with the appearance of The Whybirds, who produced an electrifying set. They play as a tight unit, especially with the bluesy sound of 'Hard to Find', and a storming finale of 'Rosalita', which are both performed so expressively. If the album is as good as the live set then it should be an essential purchase.
Beds on Sunday, Esquires, Bedford (9/6/07):
The Whybirds don't look like they sound. Appearing on stage like a bunch of slightly scary headbangers – a wash of flannel and AC/DC t-shirts – you'd fully expect a gargantuan moshpit. However, they deliver a slinky little mix of a grit-and-sawdust saloon singer fronting The Kings of Leon. Makes you want to kick back with a sasparilla.
JamLounge, Bedford (4/1/07):
The Whybirds are an honest to goodness rock 'n' roll band. The shampoo requirement of the ensemble must equate to the size of a small village pond each month. Stripped down as an acoustic unit, the band were able to demonstrate how tight and together they are as a group. They didn't miss a note, beat, harmony. Very impressive and very enjoyable.
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