Din Of Celestial Birds – MASH, Cambridge, 24/10/26, With support from Wildernesses
Horrendous weather wasn't enough to stop the crowds venturing to MASH in Cambridge on 24 October for an evening of post-rock atmospheric soundscapes that deserves to be heard far beyond the confines of intimate venues.
Photos by Charlotte Bates: @Turbulent_music
Wildernesses
Thanking everyone for braving the weather outside, London-Bristol-based Wildernesses waste no time drawing the crowd into their world. Their opening notes are a dream-like harmonic haze of intertwining melodies, with the instrumentation carrying enough energy to move the room without the need for lyrics.
There is an undeniable beauty to the way Wildernesses approach their music. It's slow at times, but never to their detriment. They understand how to guide a song through its peaks and troughs, to build an atmosphere that feels almost hypnotic.
This understanding also extends to their stage presence with a constant sense of movement, without feeling forced or over the top. Instead, the band appear completely absorbed in what they're doing, feeling every note and putting their heart into every chord.
With their debut album, Growth, released in March, Wildernesses have already established a sound that balances dreamy textures with a heavier alternative edge. The shift in dynamics becomes particularly apparent when they play '(Dread)', allowing the heavier side of their sound to emerge without sacrificing the atmosphere that makes them so compelling.
There's a real sense of passion in their songwriting, with their ability to move between delicate melodies and heavier passages giving their set plenty of character. Wildernesses might not need to shout to make themselves heard, but their music certainly leaves an impression.
Din Of Celestial Birds
From the moment Din Of Celestial Birds take to the stage, there's an instant connection with the crowd. Encouraging everyone to get right to the front, the Leeds-based instrumentalists make the room feel welcoming, creating an atmosphere that only gets better as the set unfolds.
Known for their intricate musicianship and expansive post-rock sound, the band waste no time showing what they're capable of. The set builds gradually, giving the quieter moments room to breathe before bringing in the heavier stuff.
There's no rush to throw everything at the crowd straight away, and that patience works in their favour. When the guitars start to hit harder around halfway through the set, the shift feels all the more satisfying, with the drums pushing things forward and the whole room caught up in the change of pace.
It's that balance between the quieter passages and the heavier sections that makes their performance so engaging. Even without vocals, there's plenty to draw you in, with each track taking its time to build rather than relying on volume alone. The heavier moments hit hard, but it's the contrast between the two that really makes them work.
What also stands out is how comfortable the band seem in front of their audience. Post-rock can sometimes lean heavily on huge soundscapes and technical musicianship, but Din Of Celestial Birds never lose sight of the people standing in front of them. There's a genuine warmth to their stage presence that makes the set feel personal, even when the music itself fills the room.
There's something special about seeing a band like this in a smaller venue, where you can really take in the details of their sound. That said, it's hard not to feel that Din Of Celestial Birds could hold their own on a much bigger stage. Their sound has the scale for it, and there's plenty here to suggest they're capable of reaching a far wider audience.
With their ability to move between delicate passages and crushing instrumentals, alongside a clear appreciation for the crowd in front of them, Din Of Celestial Birds are well worth keeping an eye on. If you're heading to ArcTanGent next year, make sure they're on your list.
