The Colourblind and the Birds’ debut album, Baying for Blood, is a compelling deep dive into the complex landscape of mental health, artfully crafted by the mysterious producer Flip X. Released on World Mental Health Day, the 15-track album uses experimental sounds and genre fusion to channel the raw emotions surrounding mental fragility. Led by Flip X, who has a history working with influential acts like the Buzzcocks and The Stranglers, this album is more than music—it’s an initiative with all proceeds going to the mental health charity Mind, amplifying its mission with every listen.
Flip X, who lives with bipolar disorder, uses this album as a medium to explore his journey, emphasising music’s therapeutic power. “Baying for Blood is my way of channelling the struggles of mental health into a shared creative experience,” he shares, and the album reflects this vision through an eclectic mix of trip-hop, alt-pop, and experimental sounds. Featuring talent from around the world, including Lynn of Taiwan’s Jade Eyes and North Carolina’s Riot Son, each track showcases unique contributions that add to the album’s powerful narrative on mental health.
The result is a rich, layered soundscape that carries the weight of its themes while resonating universally. Flip X’s reclusive nature adds an enigmatic layer to Baying for Blood, inviting listeners to experience the rawness of mental fragility without distraction. From his work at Glastonbury and Bestival to the personal retreat from the spotlight, Flip X’s career reflects his desire to let the music speak.
In Baying for Blood, Flip X and his collaborators offer a profound listening experience—one that is as much about fostering community as it is about sound. This album is essential for those drawn to music that digs deep, offering solace, solidarity, and understanding for listeners navigating their own mental health journeys.