Banded Starling - Sink In

​Banded Starling

​Sink In
self-released; 2017

​3.7 out of 5

By Seth Shulman

Perhaps one of the most introspective albums yet, Banded Starling’s new record Sink In is an echo and an ode to elegantly shaped and well crafted folk with some soul. Priscilla B, the prominent voice, sets up the mood and color of each song giving a timbre so unique to the overall songwriting.

​This album plays a lot with the motif of life and its ever-changing cycle through emotional balances and imperfections. The group gathers its experience and is based in Southern New Hampshire and the dynamic transitions life has within these borders. 

The song “Empty Places” has a very up beat tempo to it with percussive shakers and crisp acoustic guitars guiding the arrangement through a very solemn and reminiscent song. Originally inspired by an abandoned church turned restaurant then once again turned abandoned, the song does a great job balancing those somber memories of what was. The dueling vocals between Priscilla and Pete Wason really remind me of such great acts as the Civil Wars with a little bit of a Devandra Banhart. 

The song “Wonder” is a fantastical journey loosely based off of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The lyrics come out quite crisp along with the accompanying guitar, along with very at ease brush playing to help create that rhythmic stability. 

All in all I would give this album great marks all around for its creativity and ability to captivate me with so little actual arrangement musically. The innocence and beckoning of the singing and lyricism help gravitate this album to new heights, a must for anyone who loves good songwriting.

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