Starcrazy is:
Marcus Fraser, Vocals & Percussion
Jack Barratt, Bass/Vocals/Keys
Odin Wolf, Guitars
Jack Farmer, Drums
Sydney band STARCRAZY, the contemporary glam rockers with inherent retro leanings, are focused on maximum impact when they launch their self-titled album, Starcrazy, on October 18th. This release successfully transports the fire and glitter of their live performances into the recording studio with no loss of heat or dynamic and allows the band and their individual attributes to shine. With infectious energy, driving riffs, and flamboyant melodies, the album captures the essence of their vibrant stage presence while also showcasing a refined sense of musicianship that reflects their deep-rooted influences from the golden era of glam rock.
When I think of that era in the early seventies, I always go to T-Rex and the wonderful Marc Bolan, drifting to “Life’s a Gas” and those amazing tracks that he created. Or maybe I would be listening to some early Bowie. I would say, from the off, that Starcrazy are definitely a modern take on the whole glam movement; it is certainly there in how they present the image but the music is rougher and heavier than those previously cited musicians ever were. They are definitely more nodding toward Poison than Bolan.
The press pack notes tell me that with a heady combination of 70s glam rock swagger, sunny power pop melodies, and 80s alternative metal charisma, Starcrazy spin tales of city life, mental health, community, and spirit. The band throw attitude in the mix to amplify their belief in the freeing power of music as an escape from the realities of life’s little and big struggles.
The band names their primary influences as Jane’s Addiction, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, The Sweet, and Alice Cooper.
My review:
“The Fire” opens the album with some thunder. After a touch of “I Feel Free” and that bit of Cream, this song certainly blows away the cobwebs and rages out of the speakers. It’s a solid rocker that does put down the marker.
“What’s Worth” is a track that has a catchy melody in that mix; it has a sense of sing-along melody and a West Coast feel to it. There is a pop rock feel to it and I would have to say it is extremely radio friendly and should catch the ear of commercial rock stations worldwide.
“Underground” is another commercial eighties-feeling track that took me towards Poison. The guitars know how to crunch a riff and the vocals do a neat job on this track. There is an instrumental break in the middle that also shows off what Jack Farmer can do on the drums as well
“Nighttime” opens with a bit of slightly strange conversation before the track finds a gear. It’s a decent album track, and it would probably go down well live.
“Caught in a Dream” changes the mood and gives us a melodic ballad. Some lovely acoustic guitars and I enjoyed the vocal on this one; it got the slightly whimsical feel of the track just right.
“Ain’t That Crazy?” Has a bit of funk going on, which changes the dynamic. Again, I did like the drum and bass sound on this one. I felt it had a different groove, a kind of heavy pop and downbeat.
“Ballad of PJF”—as it says on the tin, this is a ballad. It has a slightly more bitter feeling about it than “Caught in a Dream.” It is one of those that has a sadness under sweetness.
“Another Night” picks up a heavier feel, and the lyrics remain on the darker road. It ends on a pleasing discord; the vocals nail the track and it retains the feel of confidence from this band.
“Fanzine” is full of that swagger again; it’s a track that keeps the energy and the drive going, and the guitars impress.
“Jar of Dirt” finishes the album as it began, with plenty of rock in the mix, a touch of melody and some fists pumping in the air.
To summarise this album, it is a brash, confident first album from an interesting band that can sing a sweet melody or rock out with the best. For the first album, it slices the lemon nicely and sticks a fast guitar into the speakers—definitely a band to watch out for.
Standout tracks: “The Fire,” “Caught in a Dream,” and ““Jar of Dirt.”
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You can stream music from Starcrazy here
By Anna-Louise Burgess