Over four previous albums, Andrew Bird established himself as a quirky, genre-hopping violinist (and whistler) who could never break through to become a full-fledged indie hero. The wonderfully titled Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs sets out to dispel that notion. Bird has fused his classic songwriting style with a post-punk production style that allows him to finally have a scene to associate himself with. This is the first album where Bird seems to take himself seriously.

Abandoning his backing band Bowl of Fire for once and for all, and their big band influences along with them, Bird is now able to focus on the songwriting. Tracks like "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" and "The Naming of Things" are grand over-the-top tracks that only hint Bird's range. Horns, loops, and understated production pepper each of the 14 songs here. A retelling of "Skin (Is My)" (a track off Bird's 2001 release Weather Systems) also shines and provides a clear example of his growth as a musician.

Bird layers his voice throughout the album, harmonizing and structuring his vocals in exciting and inventive ways. The technique ends up being beautiful in some places, intrusive in others, but one can't blame him for trying. Considering the leaps he's made between albums, it's almost impossible to gauge what his next might sound like, but if this album is any indication, it'll be a fantastic listen.