I've learned something from this review! The butcherbird is a songbird native to Australasia, related to the magpie. Slow Mons has sampled such a bird, in his garden, and made a melody out of it.  In a world where every electronic music producer has instant access to the same samples and sounds, recording your own is fun, can be inspiring, and provides a way to stand out.

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Slow Mons musician artist Butcherbird single

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Slow Mons hails from Melbourne, Australia, and in his single Butcherbird, he uses his songbird, together with lush soundscapes, glitches, granular effects, and pitch bends, to beautiful effect.  It is cinematic, coupled with really nice little details throughout the track.

Due to the syncopated, lofi beats, it feels laid back, as if at a lower tempo than it actually is (which is around 120bpm).  There are no vocals, but at times, well chosen, curious, almost unintelligible spoken voice samples pique your interest.

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butcherbird single album art Slow Mons Australian artist

Butcherbird takes you on a journey, climbing and climbing, and when the soaring, stuttered synth/choir chords come in, coupled with a beautiful counter melody, you are at the summit!  In my mind, I was instantly transported, skimming fast over an unknown landscape, with feelings of awe and wonderment.  It is well produced, and sounded incredible, especially when my sub bass was switched on.

If you are anything like me, this will be a track that goes on for a second play, immediately after listening to it.  Go on, try it!