Agent Starling are Quentin Budworth (hurdy-gurdy) and Lou Loudhailer (voices & other instruments). Their debut album, 'European Howl' releases on all the usual digital outlets on 4th May 2021. Pre-release is available now on Bandcamp (follow the link at the foot of this article).
Quentin and Lou both have strong musical provenance. Lou was originally in prophetic indie band Red Guitars and has gigged and recorded ever since, heading up psychedelic rock band Loudhailer Electric Company. Originally part of Suns of Arqa, Quentin is the force behind world fusion medieval rave band Celtarabia, also featuring Lou on bass. He spent the year before lockdown touring Europe meeting with other top hurdy-gurdy players exchanging tunes, techniques and experiences. Celtarabia usually play the alternative festival circuit throughout the summer, but due to lockdown restrictions on live music, Lou and Quentin joined forces to create Agent Starling and record 'European Howl'. Recorded in the first three months of 2021, 'European Howl' is full of catchy hurdy-gurdy tunes, new songs, hypnotic drones, live bass grooves and strings, all with an experimental edge. The album also features Dexter Duffy-Howard on violin and cello. The 'European Howl' album is influenced by musical traditions from nations across Europe. A mix of instrumental pieces, spoken word and songs, themes range from a miscellany of Greek Tales ('Wine Dark Sea'), an elegy by a dying lover ('Requiem') to 'Helicopter Arms', inspired by the glorious gurdy tune at the heart of the song. 'Delores County Ride' is a tribute to the women who hop trains in Arno Bitschy’s film 'This Train I Ride', and the album’s title track is an ode to being European, a call for connection in today’s isolationist climate. Keep up to date with all the latest Agent Starling news at:
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