BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC play an eclectic blend of rock, avant-garde noise, punk, classical, minimalist and free-form music with hypnotic electronic sequences. They began in the early 80's as a side project by pianist/percussionist Roger Miller and guitarist Martin Swope from Boston's MISSION OF BURMA. After many changes, the line-up eventually settled down to Erik Lindgren (piano and organ), Ken Field (saxes, flutes and percussion), Rick Scott (synths, piano and percussion) and Michael Bierylo (guitar, programming and sound design).They've released ten albums to date, including two EP's and one compilation disk. Although they rely heavily on keyboards (one of their albums actually features 3!), they throw in just about anything and everything they can get their hands on. Some sax and acoustic piano also give their electronic sound a pleasant organic texture. For those who want to get acquainted, their latest three releases are a good start: "Dancing on A'A" (1995) could be described as Stravinsky with tribal rhythms and spacey keyboard solos; "Petrophonics" (2000) emphasizes the jazzier, more melodic side of the band; finally, "The Iridium Controversy" (2003) embodies just about everything this band is about, abounding with classical structures played energetically with traditional rock instruments.Recommended for the highly adventurous (let's face it, a band that lists "chain on metal, a Mercury Cougar hubcap and a paint can" among their instruments should be a fair warning as to their 'unorthodox behaviour'. No pun intended here, except to say that BRAND X sound like pussy cats compared to these guys). Fans of ZAPPA, KING CRIMSON, AFTER CRYING and particularly UNIVERS ZERO Tracks Listing1. Shiny Golden Snakes2. Ptoccata3. The Rite Of Spring (excerpts from)4. International Tours5. Terry Riley's House6. Theme From Rocky And Bullwinkle7. The Tyger8. The Fundamental9. Bridge Underwater10. Chên / The Arousing11. Final MotifMusicians- Roger Miller / piano, percussion- Erik Lindgren / synthesizer, rhythm machines, percussion- Rick Scott / Farfisa, percussion, piano- Martin Swope / guitar, percussion.