the album. After the tour, the band announced the departure of Mars. Mars had been contributing to vocals and songwriting greatly, as well as playing the mandolin, musical saw and other instruments. After Mars left, the band took a short break before a short tour followed by the release of an EP titled "Nevermind The Ballads" in 2016. Lyrical and ideological influences Blackbird Raum's lyrics tend to paint a bleak picture of modern society, focusing on issues like the destruction of the environment, mental illness, and class warfare. They have described themselves as eco-anarchists. In an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta, banjo player CPN had this to say about their political views: The lyrics and song names often contain references to historical events, ancient myths and cultural icons: "Silent Spring," which references the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson "Lucasville," a song about the riot in the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility "The Helm of Ned Kelly," talking about the Australian bushranger Ned Kelly "Old One Eye," making an incorrect reference to Odin's sacrifice in Norse Mythology. "Ravachol in Valhalla" which references the Illegalist anarchist Ravachol Blackbird Raum makes use of epigraphs from many poets and writers. Among them are William Blake, George R. Stewart, Sir Thomas Malory, Gary Snyder, Kenneth Rexroth and Black Elk. Discography Purse-Seine – 2007, Quiver Distro Swidden – 2008, Quiver Distro Under the Starling Host – 2009, Black Powder Records Split 7-inch w/ Hail Seizures – 2011, Go Records False Weavers – 2013, Silver Sprocket Destroying – 2015, Silver Sprocket Nevermind the Ballads – 2016, No Time Records References External links "Official Bandcamp" Official Facebook page Official site Audio/video media "Blackbird Raum Silent Spring Santa Cruz", "Courant Times", YouTube, January 3, 2009. Anarcho-punk groups Gypsy punk groups Folk punk groups Musical groups established in 2004 Musical groups from California Musicians from Santa Cruz, California