Is March Fires a good place to start with Birds of Tokyo?

Yes, March Fires is recommended as a starting point for new Birds of Tokyo listeners. An expansive blend of atmospheric rock and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of longing and resilience. Released in 2013, March Fires is Birds of Tokyo's fourth studio album, following their self-titled album which marked a significant commercial breakthrough. At this point, the band was refining their sound after experimenting with various musical styles, and they were emerging as one of Australia's leading rock acts.

Who is March Fires for?

March Fires works well if you're into steady pacing with emotional peaks, introspective moments of reflection and atmospheric soundscapes for focus.

How many songs are on March Fires?

March Fires has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

March Fires

Birds of Tokyo · 2013

47 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

An expansive blend of atmospheric rock and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of longing and resilience.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Liquid Arms Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
This Fire — With its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, this track encapsulates the album's themes of perseverance and passion while highlighting the band's dynamic sound.
→
Lanterns — This track stands out for its lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics, illustrating moments of hope amidst uncertainty, a core element of the album’s narrative.
→
Hounds — A hauntingly beautiful piece that combines melancholy melodies with poignant storytelling, representing the emotional heart of March Fires.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a steady momentum with driving rhythms and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a stark contrast with a quieter, more introspective arrangement.
Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, such as 'This Fire,' which alternates between soaring choruses and subdued verses, creating an emotional ebb and flow.
The album closes with 'Hounds,' which features a gradual build-up to a climactic finish, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with emotional peaks
introspective moments of reflection
atmospheric soundscapes for focus
captivating melodies for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases the band's artistic depth and received critical acclaim.
Themes: Australian resilience· flickering hope
Career context: Released in 2013, March Fires is Birds of Tokyo's fourth studio album, following their self-titled album which marked a significant commercial breakthrough. At this point, the band was refining their sound after experimenting with various musical styles, and they were emerging as one of Australia's leading rock acts.
Stylistic neighbors: The Temper Trap· Anberlin· Atlas Genius