Album review: Din Of Celestial Birds – Takeoffs & Landings

On hearing that an entirely instrumental record has been dubbed a concept album by its creators, it’s hard not to conclude that the song titles are going to have to do some very heavy lifting indeed. And while this remains the case with Takeoffs & Landings, the second full-length from Leeds quintet Din Of Celestial Birds, there’s no denying that these eight pieces possess the right momentum and sense of excitement to conjure the band’s stated themes of travel and adventure.

Whether via the joyous launch of the opening title track or the graceful glide of Migratory Patterns, it’s clear that these post-rockers are going places. Some of these tunes are journeys in themselves – witness Marmoris move from its elegant mid-section into blastbeat-fuelled Deafheaven territory, or the way a metallic surge erupts from patiently-crafted atmospherics on From The Summit We Can see The Heavens & Stars.

The twinkly I Hope That Road Leads You Somewhere Beautiful, Somewhere You Belong, a suitably elegiac tribute to guitarist Andie Gill’s late partner, perfectly demonstrates that Din Of Celestial Birds don’t need lyrics to convey the big emotions. Elsewhere, the pairing of surprisingly bludgeoning riffage and sci-fi synths makes When Suddenly… one of the album’s most arresting entries, while You Are My Temple brings shoegazey euphoria along for the ride.

Mogwai once wrote a song called Travel Is Dangerous, but by the time big closer Second Star To The Right, And Straight On ‘Til Morning swings for the Glaswegians’ signature crescendos, Din Of Celestial Birds have done much to suggest otherwise. This record should bring many more frequent flyers on board – and yes, it does stick the landing.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: And So I Watch You From Afar, Maybeshewill, Russian Circles

Takeoffs & Landings is released on August 7 via Big Scary Monsters