Bird Streets’ “Lagoon” is Something to Talk About

Bird Streets Lagoon  album cover art

John Brodeur, better known as Brooklyn’s Bird Streets, released his second studio album Lagoon, last November  and the 12-track indie pop project has arrived as a source of musical comfort.   

John Brodeur – Also Known as Bird Streets /photo by Shervin Lainez

Kicking off the album is “Sleeper Agent,” which portrays  a strong message of battles we face within ourselves mentally, something many people can strongly relate to today. Lyrics like “at war with my mind and I keep losing ground” , speaks volumes and makes for a track worthy of replaying. 

In a shocking turn of events, the album transitions into a soft rock sound with “Machine.” Yet another sound that suits Bird Streets well, the use of electric guitars and an upbeat tempo allows listeners to really settle into the sound. 

As described by the artist, Lagoon is an album about separation, rumination, regret and recurrence that travels the darker passages of the heart and mind in search of something resembling clarity. If not for the songs, these messages are ever present in the album’s cover artwork, as an abstract mix of colors, patterns and textures give the listener full discretion to create a personal meaning linked to the tracks.  In tracks like “Ambulance” and “Machine,” the message that there is no victory being won echoed as Broedur’s storyline unfolded.

Performing Lagoon at the Album Release at Rockwood Music Hall/ Photo by Scott Tofte

In a personal favorite, “Unkind” makes you think of all the ways you want your legacy to be. Brodeur rattles off lists of things he has done ,but stresses “that ain’t something I wanna be remembered by.” It is a true song for change, whether that  be a personal reflection or a broader message for all of us. Either way, it hits home. 

Collaborating on this album with various producers like Zach Jones (Sting), mixer Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer), mastering by Pete Lyman (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton) and session players has allowed for an interesting blend that, after four years, culminated in the distinctive sound that is Lagoon. Both uplifting and relatable, we hope to see more of this candor in Bird Street’s future endeavors.  Lagoon is available on CD, digital, and  a limited-edition double vinyl version is due for relese in February of  2023.