Jarboe’s ‘Sightings’ is a reminder of the beauty in the “strange”, the atmospheric and seemingly alien sounds of an artist devoted to a specific vision. One of self-reflection, psychedelic calmness and spirituality. That’s what I got anyway delving into this 7-track release.
Frequent collaborator with seminal noise/no wave and experimental “rock” group Swans of New York, Jarboe has always struck me as a fascinating artist who is uncompromising and sincere. Stepping away from the abrasive sounds of albums like ‘Greed’ (1986) and ‘Children of God’ (1987), here we find a sound more aligned with post-rock pioneers Bark Psychosis. Their seminal 1994 album ‘Hex’ in particular, coming to me back and forth like a gorgeous wave of transcendent instrumentation and heartfelt concept. ‘Sightings’ at times sounds like it could have been recorded in the room next door to its 32-year-old predecessor, mirroring that masterpiece with slightly darker tones.
Despite these dark undertones, prevalent on tracks like “Choir and Night Fox” and “The Holy Waters”, I can’t help but smile at the incessant hum and cacophony of what sounds like a church organ, as it transports me to a world of mournfulness. Smatterings of hope however, lay buried in the production. The squawking of a bird, the vocalisations from Jarboe herself, filling me with an eeriness that feels necessary and true. Track 5 “Vireo Serenade” is probably the best example of this. The bird song and reverb on Jarboe’s voice, acting as a reply to the questions posed by nature, are beautiful and freeing.
I know I’m banging on about it, but the track “Breathe” – which is likely my favourite cut here – is most ‘Hex’ like. In particular the chimes and brass building and swirling into the dark skies above, searching for light amongst the heavens and stars.
This record is so well produced it glazes the listener in a blanket of isolating and thoughtful questioning. There are so many layers of orchestral instrumentation too that really build out the compositions into larger, epic pieces.
‘Sightings’ is in short, an excellent piece of atmospheric, post-rock with strong themes of nature, the soul and spiritual evolution. I feel this album is best suited for dusk. Or, if you’re a true night owl like me, a 2am fag and tea: staring out into the “real world”, pondering how it became so concrete and bleak.
If you’re a fan of groups and artists such as Bark Psychosis, These New Puritans, Extra Life and Toby Driver (Maudlin of the Well/Kayo Dot), then I think you’ll find another kindred spirit in ‘Sightings’; and Jarboe as a whole to be fair.
Remember the trees, the forests, the birds, the soil and the seeds. They are there to be enjoyed and used as tools for our own happiness, despite the chaos of modern interlopers and the cannibalisation of the human spirit.
Thank you Jarboe.
Jarboe: Sightings – Out 3 April 2026 (Consouling Sounds)
– The Holy Waters [official music video from SIGHTINGS LP]
Liverpool born music writer with passion for punk and Everton FC
