Although 2007's All the Houses Look the Same was a solid debut for Deas Vail, 2010's Birds and Cages is more focused with tighter songwriting and catchier melodies. Each song fits well with the others while not blurring together as All the Houses tended to do. The elements that made the first album special - Wes and Laura Blaylock's soaring vocals, Kelsey Harrelson's complex and precise drumming, and Andy Moore's subtle but memorable guitar lines - are even more impressive here. They're not afraid to be a little experimental either, such as in the waltz-like "Puzzles and Pieces." This is particularly evident on "Birds" and "The Great Physician," which have twists and turns that bring old-school progressive rock to mind. All in all, it's a beautiful and captivating album that reminded this screamo fan that guttural vocals and dreary lyrics weren't the only way to show emotion.
        - Andie Hardee



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