Birdsongs of the Mesozoic

The Profile

American instrumental avant-rock group formed in 1981, mixing progressive, minimalism, jazz and electronics; known for prepared piano and dense, effects-heavy arrangements.

Formed in 1981. Early lineup included Roger Miller, Martin Swope, Rick Scott and Erik Lindgren. Roger Miller left in 1988 and was replaced by reed player Ken Field. Early releases include the 1983 EP 'Birdsong Of Mesozoic', 'Magnetic Flip' (1984), 'Beat Of The Mesozoic' (1986 EP) and 'Soundtracks' (1987). Later albums include 'Faultline' (1989) and 'Pyroclastics' (1991).

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic are an American instrumental/avant-garde progressive group formed in 1981. Reviews praise their originality and genre-mixing (minimalism, jazz, electronics) while noting the music can be dense and demanding. Key characteristics include Miller's prepared piano, Lindgren's electronics, and strong rhythmic complexity. Pyroclastics (reviewed here) is considered varied and accessible within their catalog.