Starcrawler – Devour You
(Rough Trade Records)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
A certain media-personality recently commented that regardless of what some critics have said, rock never died. It was, however, in dire need of resuscitation. Regardless of whether or not you subscribe to this school of thought there is no denying that Starcrawler have played no small part in breathing life back into a genre that was growing increasingly tired from a lack of ferocity and originality.
By now Starcrawler should need no introduction, having honed a reputation that has spread far and wide due to their frenzied live shows and a sound that draws inspiration from renowned 70s rock acts such as The Runaways and Black Sabbath. It is hard to believe that it was only last year that LA-based rock’n’rollers Starcrawler released their debut album. In that relatively short space of time the four-piece has evolved from a band playing in garages to having a large and very dedicated following, with the likes of Shirley Manson, Beck and even Elton John proclaiming their brilliance. There is no doubt whatsoever that Starcrawler’s self-titled debut packed a weighty sonic punch, and it is no surprise that their second album follows a trajectory that is next level.
‘Devour You’ is the product of a band who’s confidence has continued to flourish, with the album boasting a more mature, polished and urgent collection of songs without compromising their artistic integrity. The album was intended to capture the energy, passion – and at times aggression – of their live shows, and this has been accomplished admirably.
Opening track ‘Lizzy’ instantly sets the mood with an unrelenting, stonking beat, with vocalist Arrow de Wilde belting out gravelly screams as if she were simultaneously channelling Cherie Curry and Juliette Lewis, an admirable feat given that de Wilde is a mere 20 years old. Second track ‘Bet My Brains’ (one of the album’s standout tracks), is an irresistibly catchy song that is the perfect balance between driving beats and melodic vocals. ‘No More Pennies’ is a more-laid back offering, at times sounding reminiscent of Sonic Youth in the best of ways.
Hollywood Ending and She Gets Around are somewhat more melodic while still mellow tracks; songs that are irresistibly easy to lose yourself in. In fact, each and every one of the album’s thirteen tracks shines in their own right. And comparisons aside, sonically Starcrawler are a band that have found their proverbial ‘sweet-spot’ and are a very welcome breath of fresh air in what was fast becoming a stale genre.
Devour You should be on high-rotate this summer; the perfect road-trip or poolside soundtrack for hot balmy days. Optimum auditory enjoyment is likely to be found in playing it fucking loud!
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