Ceremony-Birds (Emerald and Doreen Records)

John Fedowitz has been a busy guy, gracing us in the past year with a full length album (Distance) and now this EP. For any fan of shoegaze or heavily fuzzed out psych, you’re in luck with Birds. John hasn’t changed his successful formula, formed on the back of his stint in Skywave. He knows how to deliver the goods, right from the get go. Listen to the lovely “Let Me In”, with a bass line heavily reminiscent of New Order and overlaid with sun-drenched reverb and vocals floating in and out. Or how about “Deep Breath”, which sounds like a warped 45 playing through a tinny speaker? It’s such an interesting effect, and adds ambiance to a great riff that wouldn’t be out of place on a Jesus and Mary Chain record. The EP’s title track is more straightforward, and much like Michael Stipe when he started enunciating his lyrics, John does the same here when his vocals emerge from the shadows. “Until Forever” ushers in a very welcome 60s throwback that complements his music with its heavy surf vibe. And could “It’s Not You” be a single? Because it stands out from the pack as a potential killer A side. I hope John continues to produce work at this level, as I really enjoy his work. And any fan of this genre should also enjoy this