Birdsong in the Empire cover

Birdsong in the Empire

Current 93 · 2007

72 min · 14 tracks · neofolk

A haunting tapestry of neofolk melodies interwoven with evocative spoken word and rich, atmospheric soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

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    At Sunset Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    The Starres Are Marching Sadly Home — This opening track sets a somber tone with its ethereal instrumentation and stark delivery, encapsulating the album's themes of melancholy and reflection.
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    Alone — With its lengthy composition and deep introspection, this track showcases Tibet's poetic prowess and ability to create immersive sound landscapes that evoke solitude.
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    Black Flowers, Please — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, representing a key moment where personal grief intertwines with broader existential themes.
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    Sleep Has His House — The extended length and meditative quality of this track allow listeners to experience Tibet's exploration of dreams and consciousness, making it a centerpiece of the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective reflections on existence
  • meditative soundscapes for contemplation
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • wave-like pacing that envelops
  • haunting melodies for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in the catalog that showcases their unique sound without being a major highlight.
Themes
mythological longing· spiritual isolation
Career context
By the time 'Birdsong in the Empire' was released in 2007, Current 93 had already established themselves as pioneers of the neofolk genre. This album followed their critically acclaimed work 'Black Ships Ate the Sky' from 2006, continuing their exploration of esoteric themes and complex sound structures while further solidifying David Tibet's unique artistic vision.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Starres Are Marching Sadly Home 1:02
  • 2 At Sunset Start here 4:11
  • 3 Black Ships Ate the Sky 5:02
  • 4 The Time of the Last Persecution 4:24
  • 5 Alone 8:26
  • 6 Idumæa 3:13
  • 7 Black Flowers, Please 4:53
  • 8 Bind Your Tortoise Mouth 2:27
  • 9 Larkspur and Lazarus 6:49
  • 10 Niemandswasser 9:45
  • 11 Calling for Vanished Faces II 7:06
  • 12 Moonlight, or Other Dreams, or Other Fields 2:02
  • 13 Sleep Has His House 7:13
  • 14 Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still 5:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata