STARCASTLE

Before going to specifics I do have a word for this album that I think suits perfectly and will definitely overpower any preconception (because there seems to be a lot) of its content? REFRESHING! This is a positive sounding record full of bright melodies and with just the right tempo to get your day going! Unfortunately this band has been unfairly diagnosed as merely Yes imitators with no originality whatsoever, lack of creativity and late for its genre? luckily I disagree. How many bands sound like Genesis, IQ, Dream Theater, King Crimson, etc? How many guitar duos try to sound like Thin Lizzy or Wishbone Ash and we still love and admire what they do? Is there any American rock or progressive rock band from that period (mid-late 70's) that did not have British prog/rock as a main influence? I'm glad that I haven't dived into YES's catalog yet (its true, I have not? for now) because that means that this musical content is totally new for my ears and its quite beautiful and, as I noted before, very refreshing.

All te synthesizers layers and sin-a-long textures performed by Herb Shildt are simply cast spelling and sound very advanced for the period sometimes bringing the music are towards the 80's rather than late 70's, the guitar harmonies by Stewart and Hagler are so well designed and played, specially on the song Sunfield? I can still listen to them by just closing my eyes, memorable! And Luttrell's vocals? Ok, yes they are quite Anderson-like but still he brings ear worm melodies to the table and give the band that unique pitch and sound, so what's not to like about all these features? fair and tight rhythmic section by Tassler and Strater? This album has been a great discovery (recommended by the SOT youtube channel) and I feel very confortable telling you guys that it will refresh your ears form the very first listen and will make you want to investigate their short but quite strong catalog.

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