Shimmering StarsViolent Hearts
Almost Musique/Hardly Art Records [2011]
Fire Note Says: The Shimmering Stars modernize the innocent music of the 50s and 60s with their hazed melodies and retro swoon.
Album Review:
The Shimmering Stars are a three piece dream pop band from British Columbia that can credit the Everly Brothers as much as they can Deerhunter for their retro-modern sound. The group relies on classic sounding harmonies like they are straight out of the 50's but drench them in reverb for a 2011 sound. This makes an in
teresting listen, while songs like "I'm Gonna Try" totally stroll along in a good way especially when the song slows and isolates Rory McClure's vocals until the chorus hits complete with several "whoa whoas". This slower moving undertone carries throughout the record as the idle marching pace on "Into The Sea" is catchy as McClure's voice increases in volume and the song hits a memorable peak. The only piece here that may set some listeners back is that the Shimmering Stars keep in the one mode throughout on Violent Hearts, as each song takes on the same structure with tempo and melody placement differentiating the tracks. Now, at 14 songs in fewer than 30 minutes there is never too much time spent on one idea here which does help erase some of Violent Hearts sometimes monotone feel. I think there is plenty of promise on the Shimmering Stars debut that not only makes repeat plays rewarding but the group is very good at creating their "sound", so it will be exciting to hear where they go next!Key Tracks: "I'm Gonna Try", "Into The Sea", "Dancing To Music I Hate"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhunter
Del Shannon
Frankie Rose And The Outs
Shimmering Stars Website
Shimmering Stars Facebook
Hardly Art Records
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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