The Colourblind and the Birds - Baying For Blood (Colourblind Records)

Creatives, thinkers, and artists, in general, have always suffered more than most from issues of the mind. You could argue for hours whether people of such a proposition are drawn to the arts or whether artistic pursuits, a process that lays the soul bare, are more likely to push people into such darker places. But whatever the case, the creative types, and musicians in particular, have always been great at shining a light on such issues, being that they often walk a fine line between being both the patron and the beneficiary.

And so, it is great to see this debut album from The Colourblind and the Birds bringing people from all geographies and genres, cultures and continents, sounds and styles together to shine a light on mental health issues. (100% of the proceeds from the album are being donated to the UK mental health charity, Mind.)

Led by the enigmatic Flip X, this debut album, Baying For Blood is an equally mysterious and mercurial array of songs. From the dark-electro and creeping atmospheres of opener “Stay” to the shimmering, liquid pop pulses and indie vibes of “Everything Fades,” it is a glorious affair.

This is most definitely a collaborative effort, drawing together altruistic artists of all sonic stripes, the great and good of the underground and experimental worlds. It is always a delight to find Julian Shah-Tayler involved, here lending his Bowie-esque vocals to the poised and polished power-pop-rock of “The Ballad of Semper and Omnis.” Similarly, Su Goodache brings her emotive tones to bear on the balladic, Kate Bush-infused “Donna Diamond.”

It’s not only a great debut album and a masterful calling card for Flip X’s latest incarnation, but it will also raise awareness, not to mention funds, for perhaps one of the most critical and sharply rising issues amongst the population, especially the young, in these ever-darkening days.

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