The fourth Agent Starling album is released today, and it’s a belter.

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

Watch the official video for the title track here:

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

‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ follows previous acclaimed releases ‘Clandestine’, ‘Constellation of Birds’, the debut album ‘European Howl’, and the winter EP ‘The Northern Lights’.

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

The melodies are inspired by traditional chants and refrains, with rhythms constructed from beats and field recordings to create rolling, hypnotic 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 that is both compelling 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… 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

Get your limited edition CD or download here: