Taking cues from local mythologies, blending them with fantastic songwriting and a musical soundscape with a distinct approach to tell a heartwarming story about love transcending boundaries, Under Starling’s second single is shaping their debut album up to be a truly outstanding release.
Based in Waterford, Ireland, Under Starling are a band whose debut album Murmurations is set to release in October with ‘Selkie’, their latest single, being the second to release in support of it. With a Selkie being the local name for the renowned mythical mermaid, the song tells the story of its protagonist who, upon receiving a gift from a Selkie, embarks on a mystical journey under the sea to reunite with their beloved. A message of growth, resilience, and acceptance, ‘Selkie’ is a majestic piece of music that is exceptionally mature, both lyrically and musically.
The outstanding musical composition of the song is ever so gentle. The 4-piece band never take the song to larger scales than that of a faint, distant storm, opting instead to deliver the touching melodies and port-rock-inspired musical ambiences with grace and a subdued nature, leaving breathing room for the rich atmosphere to build and for the sensual vocals and words to nurture. The guitars that shape most of the instrumental palette are wonderfully voiced with interesting lines and thick, lush reverbs that truly drive home the song’s aquatic themes, alongside the gentle tribal hums that give the song a very haunting mythical flair.
Song building and production are also high points on ‘Selkie’. The composition grows in scale bit-by-bit from humble, melancholic beginnings until it gets solid footing, introducing more prominent and intricate guitar work, subsequently bringing in an earth-shattering bass part and a drum climax for a thunderous final chapter of the song.
‘Selkie’ is a song with a terrific concept, a distinctive sound, a palpable sense of confidence in every line delivered, and a truly immersive production. Under Starling have easily won us over.
