Bird Names To Play Hometown Show With A New Lineup

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on May 24, 2012 6:20PM

Bird Names was once a staple in the local experimental music community, until the psychedelic pop group up and moved to Athens, GA, two years ago, trimming down to a 2-member act (consisting of core members David Lineal and Phelan La Velle) in the process. But the band never quite abandoned its hometown, and Chicago has continued to be a regular stop on the tour schedule. These days, Bird Names is down to just one member—Lineal, who, after the departure of his last remaining bandmate, is kicking Bird Names into high gear with a tour and a forthcoming album.

Lineal is currently working on the new album, which will likely be titled Bird Names Naming Names. It’s not due out for a couple of months, but he’s already released the songs’ lyrics. Some of the tracks will be taken from the demo tape released late last year, which you can download for free through Bandcamp.

Lineal embarked on a short tour last week from his home in Athens and is swinging by Chicago for a Memorial Day show at Township (formerly Pancho’s), where’ he’ll perform some songs off the upcoming album. We’re not too worried about how the 1-piece lineup will affect the already lo-fi stylings of the act, because Lineal is a man of many musical talents. But seeing as how the band has always had a fluid lineup, we expect there will be more members and collaborators joining and departing for years to come.

Anyhow, opening the show Monday night will be psychedelic noisemakers Spooky Moon and Potions. For now, enjoy this video of “Phantoms and Fortunes” from back when Bird Names was still a group:

Bird Names plays Monday, May 28 at Township, 2200 N California, 10 p.m., $5, 21+