Andrew Bird

With each new musical venture, Andrew Bird sends something majestic into the world and Noble Beast is a masterful display by one of the most pre-eminent orchestral pop geniuses anywhere. Beyond the scope of his symphonic scores, Bird possesses an admirable attention to detail, working his physical being (playing, singing and whistling) into accessibly complex compositions. "Masterswarm" is bossa nova bombastic in a manner that Rufus Wainwright might appreciate, yet Bird sings with offhanded understatement. "Fitz and Dizzyspells" doesn't lose Bird's penchant for baroque musical stylization but it's driven by a visceral stomp, reminiscent of the Hidden Cameras, with its cacophony in check. Bird's a bold believer in his convictions and his voice betrays defiance, contemplating the burning of his "Effigy." Collaborator Martin Dosh haunts the infectious, electronic synthesis of the stunning "Not a Robot, But a Ghost," one of many feels on the record. Noble Beast is a brilliant feat by Andrew Bird.