Strange Bird by WITTMAR is a bold melodic journey intertwining folk and country styling with a universal emotional core. Every track conveys this sense of awe through a generous sonic tapestry. It paints this vivid and diverse picture that changes from track to track. The opening track, Drops of Rain, exemplifies this unique sonic tapestry that drew me into the album. It utilises this bold and dramatic country styling mixed with layers of vocals to build up to a moment of tension. It then relieves that tension by transitioning the timbre into a bright, shiny, and sparse folk sound. It feels like summiting a steep hill and discovering the sun-soaked green valley below it. Ethereal vocals and arpeggiated strings define the fundamental switch in sound.

One Day was another track that delivered a powerful emotional core. The track has a heavy sense of melancholy, defined by its marching rhythm and sinking melody. The phrase “just another day without her” creates a sense of mundanity that juxtaposes the deep sadness of losing someone. The regularity of the rhythm also emphasises this mundanity. Each beat feels like the passing of time, defining another moment without this person. The lyric, “I know one day I’ll finally find her.” juxtaposes this sadness.

In contrast with the despairing themes of other lines in the track, this line gives the song a uniquely melancholic atmosphere. There is almost this sense that the character is courageous by daring to have hope for the future at all.

The final track, Främmande Fågel, changes the tonal energy somewhat. The heavy guitar part emphasises the song’s power and confidence through its crunchy distortion. Although there are similar elements in parts of other tracks throughout the album, this song stood out because of the space the guitar is given within the composition. It is a core component of the melody, developing it along with the vocal. They build the track’s storyline together, almost working as a call and response, each taking the track in new directions.

Overall, WITTMAR explained that they intended to create an album that celebrated the uniqueness of life, reminding us that there is joy outside of fitting in. Strange Birds takes this theme to heart by combining a bold and elaborate mix of feelings and influences into a cohesive and emotionally resonant project.