Starrdust! is a one man band from Denton, TX. The artist recently released Chelsea! Presents : Spring In Manhattan!. The EP contains two songs however it comes in around seventeen minutes.
The first song is entitled “Béla-Rüthi!” and is more or less a groove. It felt like a jam that could go on for one minute or twenty. The song starts with a brief swell and then you are introduced to a programmed beat. Other elements like synth bass, some xylophone and guitars show up in the mix. The guitars are the main feature with one sort of endlessly soloing and the other strumming chords. It’s a mid energy type of groove. It feels sort of relaxed and lush. The song breaks down a bit and there’s a hypnotic quality by the time you get to the three-minute mark. Around three-and-a-half minutes the drums are solo and there’s a sample of someone laughing. The guitars come back in. I noticed the guitars were a little out of tune but Ithink that was intentional. It’s this sort of anti-funk thing. The changes in the song are subtle. You really have to be paying attention to pick up on some of it. It’s got some inventive qualities but I did want more from the dynamics. Some of this I felt was due in part to the electronic drums which felt static. On that note there was a lot to appreciate. The layering, the fluid like feeling to song and overall warmth and inviting texture to the song. The next song “Do You Wanna Go To The Art Museum?” is a little over ten minutes long. The approach is very similar. You have a lead guitar panned hard right, the guitar on the left strumming chords and electronic percussive elements. The song stays pretty consistent as it progresses. There are a couple breakdowns where it’s just the beat and then a swell leads to where the instrumentation explodes. Overall, I still enjoyed the groove, melodies and overall aesthetics of the song. I’ve been producing bands and artists for a good twenty years now. My initial take is the artist is just starting to explore his sound. My main critique is that the songs did feel like an extension of just one groove or idea. I would encourage the artist to maybe explore some of Jon Hopkins or Fennesz work who are instrumental and do this quite well. Overall, I thought this a very solid effort. The two songs did have cohesive qualities which I think is important. I also thought the guitar was well done. The two guitars had a symbiotic relationship. I was impressed with this artist who I think has a good amount of potential. Take a listen.
1 Comment
Starrdust!
6/27/2022 06:04:50 pm
Thank y'all for reviewing my album. This is my first music journal publication.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|