“Jay”  is the first entry on the album. On first listen, the track sets the stage with its punchy drum grooves, scenic textures that lift Eastern musical elements with a dash of modern disco-funk blend. The short instrumental licks, looming strings, plucky synths, soft haunting vocals and prevalent funk bassline all come together like peas in a pod. The result is a potpourri of sounds that is hard to put in a box. The next track, “Black Owl,” brings the tempo down a bit and offers an urgent, and driving beat that sounds like the soundtrack for a 70s crime thriller. The main guitars create the suspense while the shimmering chords and pads add the extra punch that helps raise the ante. With 2 tracks in, the party seems to have just started but the collective have not even scratched the surface of what they have to offer. On “Мockingbird,” the tightness of their arrangements comes to light as each aspect gets time to breathe. From the airy chords, lush guitar arrangement to the dreamy string textures and sturdy drum grooves. This is nothing short of magnificent on all fronts, as it offers listeners a trippy but funky piece that is also unorthodox.  The arrangement and punchiness of “Peregrine” is second to none and audiences will be amazed by the progressive and nonconformist but familiar style employed.

The project continues to push the collective’s musical envelope by not staying on the predictable lane. On “Storm Petrel,“ the collective takes us on another enjoyable audio ride, complete with an anthemic energy. The infusion of funk, disco, and contemporary pop with retro Eastern influences works like a charm but the switch-up on “Oriole” takes the cake. The slinky riffs, tight bass-driven groove and mantra-like chords are like honey to bees, but they don’t even stop there. The collective brings their multi-genre proficiency to the forefront with four-to-the-floor drums switching to hip-hop drum breaks at certain parts. The project closes out with “Chickadee” and “Cuckoo,” two solid tracks that cement and solidify the collective as true musicians. “Chickadee” blows the competition out the water with its undeniable and danceable groove and cinematic guitar-led arrangement. On the other hand, “Cuckoo” sounds like the wind down track, reminding listeners that time is short and every memory should be cherished. The pads and synths are plucky and have an ominous feel to them, while the use of mellow drums allows the otherwise subtle instruments to breathe and stand out. Other notable tracks include the previously released “Larks,” which infuses jazz with contemporary pop bolstered by a layered arrangement. “Finch” is a mellow but groovy jam with nostalgia-inducing instrumentation. The plucky guitars stand out with military precision, and the progressive approach gives it an edgy punch, while “Guineafowl” lends a different playful vibe to the project with its sultry vocal lead, moody pads and gripping guitar licks.

Overall, Ornithology is an interestingbody of work with non stop action packed sounds from start to finish.