Les Big Byrd

Formed in Stockholm around Joakim Åhlund, Les Big Byrd occupies a space where alternative rock, psychedelia and kraut-influenced motorik meet, with a pronounced taste for repetitive motifs, clean melodies and synth-driven atmospheres. The project emerged in the late 2000s, first under the names Big Bird then Big Byrd, before settling into a lasting lineup with Åhlund, Nino Keller, Frans Johansson and later Christian Olsson; Martin Ehrencrona was also part of the group’s story until his departure in 2020. The members’ backgrounds — including stints in Caesars, Teddybears and Fireside — inform a sound in which band-oriented rock energy blends with more cosmic, motorik textures. After a self-titled EP in 2011, Les Big Byrd released the albums They Worshipped Cats (2014), Iran Iraq IKEA (2018), Eternal Light Brigade (2022) and Diamonds, Rhinestones and Hard Rain (2024). Through singles, shorter formats and gigs on the Swedish and European indie circuit, Les Big Byrd has developed a coherent identity built on circular guitars, straight-ahead rhythms and pop songwriting that often leans toward hypnosis.