Wallis Bird Hands

The front cover of Irish born, Berlin based Wallis Bird's 2022 album features a black and white photograph of the artist's hand. Bird states simply: 'At 18 months old I fell under a lawnmower and cut all my fingers off'. 'Hands' - also known as 'Nine and a Half Songs For Nine and a Half Fingers' - finds Bird turning the spotlight onto herself, raising issues that are sometimes far harder to confront, only to emerge optimistic and whole. Among these are issues of trust, alcohol abuse, stagnation, self-censorship and self-improvement, some addressed through personal recollections of crucial moments accumulated over the last two years. Each, however, is delivered by a voice uncommonly blessed with joy, ingenuity and empathy.