London-based avant-garde group Bishopskin have released a new single, a reworked version of a 14th Century hymn titled “Stella Splendens.”
Released through Isolar Records, the single precedes the group’s debut album, Babble, which is set for release in October.
The song is described as “blending 14th Century Latin hymns with the jubilant energies of Ukrainian folk” in a statement released by Blue Moon Press, which certainly sets it apart from many of the other songs being released in this day and age. Upon listening to the track for the first time, however, I noticed several other genres thrown into the pot. The opening guitar has a bit of a reggae feel to it, something in the vein of early Specials records. Soon after, the vocals come in. Two part harmonies ride the waves created by a strange time signature (it appears to be three measures of ¾ time, followed by a measure of 2/4 time).
The combination of percussive electric guitar and Latin lyrics coalesces surprisingly nicely. However, the track continues to build, with drums, bass, and a myriad of additional vocals harmonies joining in around the 30-second mark. Discordant strings and occasional yelps cut through the mix, keeping listeners on their toes. “Jubilant” is certainly an accurate word to describe the song, since all I wanted to do once the rest of the instruments kicked in was dance.
In the middle of the song, there is a violin solo. Nowadays, strings are so polished and airy that they might as well just be replaced by synthesizers. However, the strings here are raw, and one can truly hear the strokes of the bow against the strings. As someone who used to play viola in school, these sounds were wonderful to hear. The absence of vocals during this section also allows the listener to hear even more of the hidden sounds contained in this song. For example, at one point there is a lilting piano that sounds fresh out of a late-60’s Beatles song. The fact that so many instruments can be worked so subtly into a song such as this is truly remarkable.
The biggest curveball comes at the back end of the song, though: a full blown electric guitar solo. The distortion is on and the guitar screams over the stabbing strings and chaotic vocals. It is a perfect way to bring the song to a close, as this is in fact the end of the song. Hardly two and a half minutes, and this heady revelry comes to a grinding halt. I have to give props to the band for knowing how to leave the listener wanting more.
That last statement is the truth, too. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this song. It was a different experience, but it had enough elements of music I liked that I felt at home during its short duration. The band also sounds like they were having a great time making the track as well, with the liveliness of the instrumentation and the yelps from the background singers giving the song an almost live feel, which is only increased by the unpolished feeling of the recording. There are occasionally discordant notes, things that sound just slightly out of tune, but this makes the song feel that much more real and in-the-moment.
Overall, “Stella Splendens” is a perfect marriage of inspiration, musical talent, and people having a good time, and I highly recommend it.
