Avem – Three Birds Stoned

Avem, the self styled Ramonescore bird nerds from the idyllic countryside of Southern Ontario released their debut full length, Three Birds Stoned, at the end of August 2022, whilst that mini bio does give you a good idea of what’s in store on their debut full length, that’s not the whole story, this is not a specialist album designed solely for the ears of their fellow twitchers. The band’s opening self titled introduction recalls Teenage Bottlerocket in full flight, indicating that Chris Packham is not the only conservationist who loves a bit of full tilt punk rock.

Three Birds Stoned is written from the perspective of the avian community and from those who lurk within the hides, and their passion for both punk rock and birds shines through. Flipping from the trials and tribulations of a day in the life of a bird and the pleasures of bird watching this is a charming album of melodic four on the floor punk rock that hits the spot on every track but never relents in this unique and joyous ornithological punk rock tribute to wildlife. My personal highlights include the truly wonderful truly No Homo! (don’t jump on your high horse about the title until you’ve heard it, this is a fuck you to homophobes) and the joyous closer Sing Every Day.

Musically this is not in unfamiliar territory, fans of the aforementioned Teenage Bottlerocket, Dan Vapid And The Cheats and of course the Ramones, and the multitude of bands that followed in their wake, will be in their happy place, although there are moments of ridiculousness, I’m looking at you Happy Hummingbird, and even a spot of rock ’n roll thrown into the mix. There is something utterly charming about Three Birds Stoned, this is an album that reflects the band’s passion for punk rock and pretty much anything with feathers, and for me that’s what elevates Avem above many of their contemporaries.

Three Birds Stoned is now available on vinyl, with Blue Jay and birdshit splatter variants on offer, through Mom’s Basement Records, download via Bandcamp and through streaming platforms. You should also check out their Facebook for more info on all things feathery, tour dates and the meaning behind the songs.