The Doomed Bird of Providence

The Doomed Bird of Providence’s 5th album is called Meteoric Heralds of Danger. The release date is 20th March.

Pre-order available now:

Norman Records (LP vinyl) https://www.normanrecords.com/records/213977-the-doomed-bird-of-providence-meteoric-heralds-of-danger

Bandcamp (LP vinyl, download) https://thedoomedbirdofprovidence.bandcamp.com/album/meteoric-heralds-of-danger

The new album uses more structured graphic scores that encourage a mixture of approaches to improvisation.
The scores are circular in shape, split into rings which are the stages of the composition. The performer moves from the centre, outwards, through each ring and responds to the symbols assigned to them. The symbols are prompts suggesting a certain way of playing. This may encourage a more textural playing, a certain dynamic or a melody line. The rings/stages themselves typically mean a shift in dynamic and often include chord progression changes.

In addition to the improvisations, four miniature compositions serve as prologues to each of the larger pieces.

Thematically, the pieces were inspired by the writing of For the Term of His Natural, the 1874 convict adventure novel by Marcus Clarke. In particular, the band found inspiration in Clarke’s rich descriptions of the sea. Excerpts of these descriptions are also used for song and album titles.

Most of the album was recorded at Dalston Rehearsal Studios in London. Performers include Mark Kluzek, Joolie Wood, Drew Barker, Katie English, Ian Hothersall, Richard Acton, Simon Finn, Flake Brown and Rachel Laurence. The album includes artwork by Melbourne artist Peter Aldrich (www.peteraldrich.net) .