The fourth Agent Starling will be released today , and it’s a belter

‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ features real instruments, hurdy-gurdy, bass, violin, hypnotic drones, vocal harmonies & spoken words, interwoven with found sounds and manipulated electronic tones.

Agent Starling is Quentin Budworth, hurdy-gurdy; Lou Duffy-Howard, voices, bass, and programming; and Dexter Duffy-Howard, violin.

Fourth album ‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ released on Friday, March 4th 2026 follows previous albums ‘Clandestine’, ‘Constellation of Birds’, debut album ‘European Howl’ and winter EP ‘The Northern Lights’.

With twelve new original tracks, a mix of instrumentals, tunes, songs and spoken word, the album is influenced by musical traditions from nations across Europe. Its themes are magic, mysteries, myths and dreams of a greener, peaceful world in the future.

The melodies are inspired by traditional chants and refrains, with rhythms constructed from beats and field recordings to create rolling patterns. The resulting mix is an unusual modern sound; a complex, compelling musical counterpoint full of catchy tunes with indie, folk and dance sensibilities, all with an experimental edge. Here you will find a nod to Hildegard von Bingen, spell-casting, and a love of the drone and musical experimentation that is compelling, hypnotic, and otherworldly.

What the Papers Say:

“Experimental hurdy-gurdy on duo’s impressive debut. European Howl is a complex, immersive and at times disorienting listening experience.” (Tony Gillam, SONGLINES)

“Sounding like the musical offspring of Sufjan Stevens and Steve Reich” (Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music)

“Compelling, demanding and progressive, Agent Starling fuse a range of cross-cultural folk-based sounds and moods. The album challenges and stretches boundaries, and occasionally – in a good way – feels slightly unhinged, but I absolutely love it when musicians dare to tread forth where many would turn on their heels and run.” (John Reed Fatea Magazine)

“I doubt very much that you will hear anything quite like this anywhere else in current music… Truly wondrous.” (Neil March Trust the Doc Website)

“Surrealista Enigma Musica is a wonderful unique album full of mystery and esoteric beauty, with deep rich production (get the CD if you have a player).” Steve Morantz”

Our good friends Agent Starling have a new album out. Head over to their Bandcamp for an early listen to this mesmerising masterpiece. ” Beat Filter PR”

“Surrealista Enigma Musica is experimental and is remarkably good. It will be featured album for the next few months.” Bob Osborne Different Noises 130

Get your limited edition CD or download here
https://loudhaileruk.bandcamp.com/album/surrealista-enigma-musica