Under Starling - Murmurations (2024)

A captivating debut album from Irish band Under Starling, Murmurations enamors with a heartfelt variety of songwriting — from the introspective folk of the opening “Hawthorn Tree” to the heavy alt-rock grittiness within “Rat King.” A melodic immersion is apparent throughout, in addition to strong thematic inspirations; “Hawthorn Tree” and “Selkie” stir in the folk realm, and take influence from Celtic folklore, while other pursuits like “The Laundry” explore the atrocities of the Magdalene asylums, also paying tribute to Sinéad O’Connor in the process.

“The Hunger” is another standout. A heavy rock ardency blasts off into blistering distortion, as eerie vocals enter alongside rumbling bass. “The fear on your breath,” the foreboding continues. “If I can’t have you, no one can.” The themes of survival persist in artful form, taking historical influence from the Irish Famine, alongside the act’s heaviest rock production so far. Another highlight, “Dreamer” succeeds in a more general realm — venturing into a relationship gone awry, amidst a contemplative rock/pop spaciousness. Murmurations is a stirring, consistent success from Under Starling.