Terror Bird takes flight again

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      Terror Bird
      Terror Bird (SVNSNS)

      Taking flight again with a split LP with French artist Micro Cheval, the darkwave diva Nikki Nevver (better known as Terror Bird) is tugging at your heartstrings. And you had better pay attention, as Nevver is one of the most engaging nu new romantics Vancouver has to offer, having diligently released a stream of work ranging from experimental to radio-friendly over the past decade.

      For the newest phase of Terror Bird, Nevver has amplified her retro beats and bedroom-pop charisma. Floating in on a cloud of synth, the record’s opener, “Beauty’s Illusion/Truth Is Blind”, soon picks up with an almost Madchester rhythm. Her voice strongly tremulous and brimming with sweet anguish, Nevver declares, “One thing I hate is being comfortable,” before vocalizing softly in luxurious contrast.

      The Bowie enthusiast’s cool croon is near theatrical and always in control as she sings of wilted flowers and unpaid debts. On the closer, “I Promise You, I Will Forget”, keyboards glide and glisten like iridescent crystals, reflecting the record’s knowingly dated sound—a throwback to the ’80s revival in the early 2000s.

      But as referential as it is, Terror Bird is perfect for mopey late-night bus rides through Vancouver’s neon-city glow, emitting a vibrant light of its own.

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