Under Starling – Murmurations

“Selkie,” a standout single, explores themes of love and distance through a folkloric lens, garnering praise for its “riveting ethereal vocals” and “wondrous atmosphere” from critics at Earmilk. Yet it’s “The Hunger” that strikes the heaviest note, capturing the devastation of the Irish Famine with a visceral intensity that is impossible to forget. This track is a tribute to survival and resilience, echoing an almost ancestral pain that has left its mark on the Irish soul.

One of the album’s most innovative aspects is its use of spoken-word recordings, like “Piseog” and “Scread Chráite,” which add authenticity and intimacy to the listening experience. With “Murmurations,” Under Starling have crafted an album that’s both haunting and hopeful—a true masterpiece of storytelling and sound. “This album is an invitation to not only listen but to feel every lyric, every note,” making it a remarkable addition to contemporary Irish music.