Unlike any of the band's previous releases, 'Stella Splendens' is an exhilarating surprise from one of Britain's most unpredictable bands.
Photo: Spela Cedilnik | Words: Otis Hayes
Bishopskin have dug deep to unearth their latest single, 'Stella Splendens', calling upon Ukrainian folk music and a 14th century Latin hymn among their routinely diverse reference points. Following in the footsteps of acts such as The Incredible String Band, Pentangle and Fairport Convention it is not unusual for Bishopskin to blend folk, jazz and blues among these older influences.
'Stella Splendens' is particularly distinct among a discography that already sprawls an overwhelming range of styles. Twangy, jazzy guitars are joined by captivating vocals delivered in Latin from Tati Gutteridge, the band's clarinettist, who takes centre stage for the first time. The song is deeply rhythmic, with upbeat drums creating a jumpy feel even as a razor-sharp fiddle cuts through it all. As the song reaches its climax, this insertion is joined by a deep bellow from vocalist Tiger Nicholson, reinforcing the archaic expressionism of the track.
Seeing the group perform their unique music live is comparable to joining some obscure but powerful spiritual ceremony. 'Stella Splendens' suggests why, constituting a visceral listening experience in spite of its lyrics being sung in a language few listeners will understand, and in spite of its music drawing on sources obscure to the British listener.
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