St Pancras Old Church, London, November 5 2025
There are moments in life when magic is just inevitable. And Exploring Birdsong are very aware of this.
Tonight is the first of two shows at the stunning St Pancras Old Church, a house of worship that is also an intimate and gorgeous space for solace away from the hustle and bustle of Pancras Road, a connector between the grit of Camden and the chaos of Euston. The band meticulously pick and choose when and where they wish to set up shop, pursuing the crafting of memories over overexposure, you can only imagine how high anticipation is for this appearance. Yet aside from the fact that these appearances were put on sale almost four months ago, with the first selling out in two minutes and the second in four, other factors already point towards this being something truly special.
There’s the timeless brightness of the moon that shines off the church’s roof, officially at 99.8% fullness tonight, the boundless sound of fireworks popping off from near and far in celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, and the way that the candles in every corner of the room’s main space are dancing against years of beautiful history. By the time that the band take their place on the chancel and Lynsey Ward delivers the first of many extraordinary refrains, that magic is already overflowing.
Over the course of their journey so far, this extraordinary trio have carved out a sound that is unlike anyone else. Ebbing and flowing between dramatic prog, vibrant pop, and otherworldly rock effortlessly, to hear it all delivered in such quick succession is a testament to what it means to be proud of every feather in your hat. ‘The Collapse’ feels like a pulsating trip over snowy mountaintops, ‘Weight In Gold’ is drenched in the neon glow of the late 80s, and the insatiable chorus of ‘Ever The Optimist’ has hairs on the back of every neck standing on end. Every beat is delivered with a poise and precision that feels fitting for such a beautifully sculpted space, the respect for what they are taking part in evident in every flourishing piano tinker.
It’s almost an understatement to say Lynsey is one of the most stunning vocalists that the UK has at its disposal currently. Between the unbelievable control of melody and tone on stark offerings such as the live debut of the gorgeous ‘Cartography’ or the haunting pomp of ‘Stitch’, the extravagant delivery that bolsters the addictive ‘Spy’ (Another song getting its first playthrough here), and the utterly incredible heights that she reaches on a spine-tingling ‘The River’, it is a joy to be in the presence of such precious sounds.
Though she is only able to shine so brightly because of the rest of her band. Jonny Knight is an extraordinary bass player, hammering out such technical grooves whilst also managing to keep the synths throbbing wonderfully, whilst Matt Harrison is the most pumped-up man in this building, pulling out as many hardcore-laced breakdowns as soft ethereal patters behind his drumkit. Such a humble and understated set of talents, letting their love for this music shine through the most and pulling the very best out of each other, track after track after track.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, there’s even time for a stirring surprise. Joined on stage by her Espera sisters, Mattie Riley and Paige Philips, together again after a year spent on the road with Sleep Token, they deal out a cover of Blue Öyster Cult’s ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ that turns everything you ever thought about it completely on its head. Ethereal, comforting and surrounded by such priceless artefacts of faith, unmistakably emotional. Followed by a stripped-back run-through of ‘The Downpour’, it is by far six of the most beguiling minutes that this ancient room has played host to.
And the reaction to all of this from those assembled, jam-packed in the pews and standing to attention at the rear of the room, is total unapologetic euphoria. It’s clear that this is a band that people have found a part of themselves in. A stir that has led them to become so devoted to their craft. And in being able to experience these songs that have struck a chord within their heart and soul in such extravagant and unique circumstances is far from lost on them. Arms are waved, tears are wiped away, and whoops and hollers are dealt out at the end of every masterful stroke.
As a joyous ‘Pyre’ rounds out this wondrous display and the trio take their bow, the congregation disappear into the night noticeably changed. Smiles firmly planted across faces, springs very much in steps and warmth exuding out of chests.
Music should always make you feel this invigorated and inspired, but when it comes to Exploring Birdsong, they have tapped into something even more exciting. The ability to make you lose all inhibition, to forget about everything else outside of the tranquil exploration that they are conjuring and to make you want to keep this feeling pulsating through you in every part of your day. Because magic is a fleeting thing, it comes and goes as it pleases. So, it’s up to you to keep the spirit of it alive. But as long as this fantastical band are around to offer up some assistance, all will be well.
