Birds of Chicago, the collective centered around Allison Russell and JT Nero, reassert the simple notion—radical in these times—that beautiful words and music can still tap deep veins of emotion. With stark, elemental imagery that feels like scripture, or a lost folk song recovered, The Birds draw heavily on the gospel tradition, and the music feels like a new, secular gospel of sorts. For Birds of Chicago, every word counts. Every note counts. No gold-dusting, no filler. Music is the good news and Real Midnight, the band’s poignant new Joe Henry–produced album, throbs with an urgency that feels quietly seismic. On Real Midnight, Birds of Chicago alternate moody rock swagger with the ghostliest of soundscapes. The album is a melancholy—but never shoe-gazing—suite, raw and soul-rich. Birds of Chicago have developed a fervent following, touring 200 nights a year since their formation in late 2012. For these Birds, singing for a room full of new people, hearts wide open, keeps off the cold and chases off the shadows.