A Lot Like Birds

Last updated

A Lot Like Birds
Also known asALLB
Origin Sacramento, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active2009–2018, 2024
Labels Equal Vision
Members Kurt Travis
Michael Franzino
Joseph Arrington
Past membersCory Lockwood
Ben Wiacek
Michael Littlefield
Matt Coate
Matt Sunderland
Tyler Lydell
Athena Koumis
Website Official Facebook

A Lot Like Birds (often abbreviated as ALLB) are an American post-hardcore band formed in 2009 in Sacramento, California. Before the breakup in 2018, ALLB has released four albums: an independent debut Plan B (2009), and three longplays under Equal Vision Records - Conversation Piece (2011), No Place (2014) and DIVISI (2017). In 2024, ALLB reunited for numerous live shows.

Contents

History

Formation and Plan B (2009–2010)

The band formed in Sacramento when guitarist/vocalist Michael Franzino invited local musicians to collaborate on an album. The result was A Lot Like Birds's debut album Plan B. [1] Released in 2009, the album was largely instrumental and experimental, featuring horns, strings, and guest vocals in addition to screamed vocals and post-hardcore arrangements. It has been widely distributed for free online by the band.

Following the album's release, A Lot Like Birds formed a core around five of the musicians involved: Franzino and Ben Wiacek (Vegan Discharge) on guitar, Michael Littlefield on bass, Joe Arrington on drums, and Cory Lockwood (Vegan Discharge) on vocals. The other musicians that appeared on the album would appear at live shows as guest performers, and the band took to describing themselves as a "5–8 piece" outfit. [1]

Addition of Kurt Travis and Conversation Piece (2011)

In January 2011, A Lot Like Birds confirmed that singer Kurt Travis would be joining the band, [2] after the information had already leaked online. [3] Travis, who had previously fronted Dance Gavin Dance, had originally planned to collaborate with A Lot Like Birds for a track, but decided to join after seeing how well he and the band fit together. [4]

Travis soon formed a connection at Doghouse Records, and in April A Lot Like Birds announced that they had signed to the label, despite not having any music to showcase beyond Plan B. The first demo recorded with Kurt Travis was for the song "Tantrum (Far from the Tree, the Apple Grew Rotten)", an eight-minute, uncommonly structured song that leaked onto the internet in March, before the signing was announced. [5]

Having generated a steady buzz, A Lot Like Birds released their second album, Conversation Piece, to much anticipation on October 11. With more focus on vocals than on their first album, Conversation Piece was also less experimental and more focused on post-hardcore elements. The release was generally well received by fans of the genre. With their second album under their belt, the band set out on their first national tour with Just Like Vinyl and Dance Gavin Dance.

Signing to Equal Vision and No Place (2012–2014)

On August 8, 2012, it was announced that A Lot Like Birds had signed to Equal Vision Records. On September 12, 2013, Equal Vision Records and A Lot Like Birds announced that a new album, No Place, would be released on October 29. A new song entitled "Kuroi Ledge" was released on October 4. A music video for the song "Next to Ungodliness" was released on October 25.

No Place debuted at number 199 on the Billboard 200 and number 6 on the Heatseekers Album Chart. The album focuses on the idea of "home" and continues the theme of the group's lyrical focus and use of spoken word in their music. The songs of No Place shine a spotlight on what constitutes a home and the emotional attachments or lack thereof within various rooms of a house.

An animated music video for the song "Connector" was released on January 9, 2014. [6]

Kurt Travis' departure, DIVISI, breakup and post-breakup releases (2015–2019)

The band announced on February 28, 2015, that bassist Michael Littlefield had left the band. [7] On June 26, 2015, the band announced Matt Coate as their new bassist while on tour, and guitarist Michael Franzino released a debut full-length studio album for his side project, alone. [8] On February 20, 2016, the band announced Kurt Travis' departure from the band. [9] Travis cited a change in the band's direction as his reason for leaving. In Travis's absence, Cory Lockwood took vocal lessons to expand his vocal abilities for the new album, with additional vocals performed by Matt Coate. On March 8, 2017, the band released a teaser video for the album, titled DIVISI. The album was released on May 5, 2017.

On February 17, 2018, the band announced on their Facebook page that they would be breaking up following almost ten years together. [10]

On July 19, 2019, instrumental versions of ALLB albums Conversation Piece, No Place and DIVISI were released via Equal Vision Records.

Reunion (2024)

On December 12, 2023, the band announced that they'd be performing a one-off reunion set at Kill Iconic Fest on March 23, 2024 at The House of Blues in Anaheim. [11] [12] Later, an additional show was added to be held on March 21, 2024. The reunion line-up consisted of vocalist Kurt Travis, guitarist Michael Franzino, and drummer Joseph Arrington with other musicians brought in as special guests, including bassist Reese Ortenberg (of Eidola), guitarist Greg Almeida (Secret Gardens, ex-VISTA) and vocalist Matthew Fitzpatrick (ex-My Iron Lung). With Lockwood being notably absent from this reunion, only material from the albums Travis was involved with was performed at these initial shows, though on later tours the band would begin playing DIVISI material again.

On May 17, 2024, A Lot Like Birds were announced as a support act for Saosin at their California shows on May 30 and 31, 2024. [13] Then, on June 18, 2024, the band was announced as support for Hail The Sun on their 'Wake' 10 Year Anniversary tour the same year. [14] On August 10, 2024, Andy Cizek of Monuments and Makari was announced as a touring co-vocalist taking over harsh vocal duties during this tour. [15] Cizek departed the tour toward its conclusion and harsh vocals were taken over by Blair de Leon for its remainder. [16]

In a Reddit AMA [17] on October 29th, 2024, touring guitarist Greg Almeida stated that to the best of his knowledge, the band intended to record new music in the future.

Band members

Current lineup
Touring members
Former members
Former touring members
Timeline
A Lot Like Birds

Discography

Studio albums
Music videos

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From First to Last</span> American rock band

From First to Last is an American rock band formed in Tampa, Florida by Matt Good, Scott Oord, and Parker Nelms in November 1999. The current line-up consists of Matt Good, Travis Richter, and Derek Bloom (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dance Gavin Dance</span> American post-hardcore band

Dance Gavin Dance is an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2005. It consists of unclean vocalist Jon Mess, lead guitarist Will Swan, clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Andrew Wells, and drummer Matthew Mingus. The band formerly included lead vocalists Jonny Craig, Kurt Travis, and Tilian Pearson, and the lineup has changed numerous times since their inception. Swan and Mingus are the only band members who have appeared on every studio album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurt Travis</span> American musician

Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.

Stolas was an American post-hardcore band from Las Vegas, Nevada formed in 2011. The band consisted of Carlo Marquez, and Sergio Medina. The band was signed as the first band on Blue Swan Records in 2013, a record label launched by Will Swan of Dance Gavin Dance. They have released one EP, Losing Wings (2012) and three studio albums, Living Creatures (2013), Allomaternal (2014), and Stolas (2017). The group signed to Equal Vision Records in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monuments (metal band)</span> British progressive metal band

Monuments are a British progressive metal band formed by former Fellsilent guitarist, John Browne, and former Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza guitarist, Josh Travis. The band has released four studio albums through Century Media Records: Gnosis (2012), The Amanuensis (2014), Phronesis (2018) and In Stasis (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tilian Pearson</span> American singer-songwriter

Tilian Pearson, also known mononymously as Tilian, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer born in Clearwater, Florida. From 2012 to 2024, he was the third clean vocalist for the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. Pearson began his music career as the lead vocalist and guitarist in the progressive rock band Tides of Man, releasing an extended play and two studio albums before leaving in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Swan (musician)</span> American musician (born 1985)

William Swan is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance and as the founder and owner of record label Blue Swan Records. He is also a guitarist in the metal band Secret Band, progressive rock band Royal Coda, and was a guitarist in the now defunct Sianvar.

Strawberry Girls is an American rock band from Salinas, California, formed in 2011. The band is currently composed of guitarist Zac Garren, drummer Ben Rosett, and bassist Ian Jennings. All three members are multi-instrumentalists and record producers.

<i>Everything Is Beautiful</i> (Kurt Travis album) 2014 studio album by Kurt Travis

Everything Is Beautiful is the debut full-length studio album by American recording artist Kurt Travis, released on May 14, 2014, on Blue Swan Records. "Brain Lord" was released as the lead single on April 22, 2014. The album is his first release on Blue Swan since departing with his previous record label Equal Vision Records.

Sianvar was an American progressive rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2013. The group currently consists of lead vocalist Donovan Melero, guitarists Will Swan and Sergio Medina, and drummer Joseph Arrington. The band is signed to Swan's independent record label Blue Swan Records. They released their debut self-titled EP on January 5, 2014 and their debut full-length studio album, Stay Lost, in August 2016. The band announced an indefinite hiatus on April 8, 2019.

<i>Stay Lost</i> 2016 studio album by Sianvar

Stay Lost is the debut full-length studio album by American post-hardcore band Sianvar, released on August 5, 2016, on Blue Swan Records. The album serves as a follow-up to the band's 2014 debut EP, Sianvar. It is the band's only studio album to feature bass guitarist Michael Franzino and is the final release before the group announced its indefinite hiatus in April 2019.

<i>Artificial Selection</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Dance Gavin Dance

Artificial Selection is the eighth studio album by American rock band Dance Gavin Dance, released on June 8, 2018, on Rise Records. It is the follow-up to the band's seventh studio album, Mothership (2016) and is their third consecutive studio release with the same line-up. The album was produced by Kris Crummett, Erik Ron, and Dryw Owens, and was self-produced by Dance Gavin Dance, making it the first release by the band to feature more than one producer.

Royal Coda is an American rock band based in Sacramento, California, founded by lead guitarist Sergio Medina. They are known for their amalgamation of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and post-hardcore. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Kurt Travis, guitarists Sergio Medina and Will Swan, bass guitarist Steffen Gotsch, and drummer Joel Turcotte.

<i>Royal Coda</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Royal Coda

Royal Coda is the debut full-length studio album by American post-hardcore band Royal Coda, released on April 27, 2018, on Blue Swan Records. The album was produced by Dominic Nastasi and Mike Watts. It is the only release to feature the original trio of lead vocalist Kurt Travis, guitarist Sergio Medina, and drummer Joseph Arrington before guitarist Will Swan joined the three musicians the following year.

Eidola is an American rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah, formed in 2011. The band consists of lead vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Wells, guitarist Sergio Medina, bassist Reese Ortenberg, guitarist and unclean vocalist Matthew Dommer, guitarist Skylar Caporicci, and drummer Matthew Hansen. They self-released their debut studio album, The Great Glass Elephant, in 2012. The group signed to Blue Swan Records in 2014 and released their second and third albums, Degeneraterra (2015) and To Speak, To Listen (2017). In December 2017, lead guitarist Brandon Bascom left the band and was replaced by Royal Coda guitarist Sergio Medina.

Push Over is an American post-hardcore musical duo composed of American musicians Thomas Erak, of Prog Rock band The Fall of Troy, and Kurt Travis, of rock band Royal Coda. Formed in 2017, the band released one demo extended play in February 2017 and were originally set to release their debut studio album in 2021, yet was postponed indefinitely. The duo are currently on hiatus and pursuing their respective endeavors.

<i>Theres a Place I Want to Take You</i> 2019 studio album by Kurt Travis

There’s A Place I Want To Take You is the second studio album by American recording artist Kurt Travis, released on May 17, 2019, through Blue Swan Records and his own label, Esque Records. It also serves as a follow-up to his debut studio album, Everything Is Beautiful (2014). The album's lyrical content deals with heartbreak and emotional turmoil while, sonically, Travis pursued folk-inspired songwriting, using elements of indie rock, electronica, dream pop, and power pop. It was produced by Mike Watts and recorded at VuDu Recording Studios in Port Jefferson, New York and features a guest appearance from singer-rapper Andrés on two tracks.

<i>Compassion</i> (Royal Coda album) 2019 studio album by Royal Coda

Compassion is the second full-length studio album by American post-hardcore band Royal Coda. It was released on November 7, 2019, on Blue Swan Records, and serves as a follow-up to their self-titled debut studio album. It is the band's first album to feature guitarist Will Swan and was produced by Kris Crummett.

Makari is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 2011. The band currently consists of vocalist Andy Cizek, guitarists Matt Beljan and Eric Stewart, bass guitarist John Tomasso, and drummer Kevin Beljan.

<i>Gold Necklace</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Gold Necklace

Gold Necklace is the self-titled debut studio album by American progressive rock duo Gold Necklace, composed of American musicians Kurt Travis (vocals) and Brandon Ewing. The album was released on November 12, 2021 through the independent record label Kill Iconic Records, a label owned by Hail the Sun frontman Donovan Melero. Produced by Josh Benton, the album was written and recorded at Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento, California between March and July 2021. Joseph Arrington wrote, performed, and recorded drums for the album. Gold Necklace is a progressive rock and jazz-fusion album with influences of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz.

References

  1. 1 2 "A Lot Like Birds | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com. April 3, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Kurt Travis joins A Lot Like Birds". Sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  3. ↑ "chorus.fm". Chorus.fm. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Interview: A Lot Like Birds". Mindequalsblown.net. February 10, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Not A Lot Like Before: The Story of Kurt Travis and A Lot Like Birds". Mindequalsblown.net. February 23, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  6. ↑ "A Lot Like Birds "Connector" Official Music Video". YouTube. January 9, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  7. ↑ "A Lot Like Birds". Facebook.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Somewhere in the Sierras, by alone". Wearealone.bandcamp.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  9. ↑ "A Lot Like Birds LP IV". Facebook.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  10. ↑ "It's February 17th, 2018 and this is the end of A Lot Like Birds". Facebook.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  11. ↑ @alotlikebirds (December 12, 2023). "@kurttravis, @josephwesleyarrington, & @santinofranzino are reuniting for a special A Lot Like Birds performance at @killiconicfest" – via Instagram.
  12. ↑ @alotlikebirds (April 2, 2024). "We really had no idea what to expect from these reunion shows" – via Instagram.
  13. ↑ Saosin with Cove Reber and special guest A Lot Like Birds - 91X FM
  14. ↑ @hailthesun (June 18, 2024). "Announcing our 'Wake' 10 Year Anniversary Tour with support from some of our dearest friends @alotlikebirds " – via Instagram.
  15. ↑ A Lot Like Birds recruit Andy Cizek as vocalist for tour w/ Hail The Sun following Monuments hiatus - Lambgoat
  16. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  17. ↑ secretgrdns (October 29, 2024). "Hey all! My name is Greg, and I lead the New York based music project Secret Gardens. New album 'The Impermanent Amber' out now. Ask me anything!". r/postrock. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Plan B, by a Lot Like Birds". BANDCAMP. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.