The Black Stars - Elementary (13/02/2012)
Elementary has been two years in the works for Byron Bay’s The Black Stars, so there was a sense of relief when it finally got its release late last year. The punk band recorded their debut album in Brisbane’s Blackbox Studios without a bass player until Mick Prigmore was found at the last minute, joining the group consisting of Chris Harding (guitar, vocals) and Regan Harding (drums). What they have come up with is a collection of edgy and upbeat tracks full of attitude.
New World Order is first up and greets the listener with a catchy chorus and guitar hook that is reminiscent of classic Aussie bands such as The Living End and even cult US band Blink 182. The shout-out-loud choruses continue in single Here Right Now which is about living in the moment. The first real departure from this style is songs comes in the punchy, short and loud What You Do to Me. It’s a more enjoyable track as it gets directly to the point and doesn’t drag on like a number of tracks do. Floating, Drowning comes with the first real impressive guitar work with some intricate picking from Harding, resulting in a great track complete with another easy to sing along to chorus.
The problem with Elementary is that the majority of the songs throughout only show one side to the band. And while the straight punk rock vibe is pulled off well, a ballad or a heavier track dispersed in between would have broken up the monotonous feel of the record. Still, with slots at Splendour in the Grass and supporting Magic Dirt, it’s clear The Black Stars have done the hard yards in the early part of their career and look to have a bright future in the Australian rock scene. Overall, Elementary isn’t a ground breaking record, but it’s a record that is fun, catchy and reminiscent of the many punk rock bands that this reviewer enjoyed listening to growing up.
Sebastian Betten
New World Order is first up and greets the listener with a catchy chorus and guitar hook that is reminiscent of classic Aussie bands such as The Living End and even cult US band Blink 182. The shout-out-loud choruses continue in single Here Right Now which is about living in the moment. The first real departure from this style is songs comes in the punchy, short and loud What You Do to Me. It’s a more enjoyable track as it gets directly to the point and doesn’t drag on like a number of tracks do. Floating, Drowning comes with the first real impressive guitar work with some intricate picking from Harding, resulting in a great track complete with another easy to sing along to chorus.
The problem with Elementary is that the majority of the songs throughout only show one side to the band. And while the straight punk rock vibe is pulled off well, a ballad or a heavier track dispersed in between would have broken up the monotonous feel of the record. Still, with slots at Splendour in the Grass and supporting Magic Dirt, it’s clear The Black Stars have done the hard yards in the early part of their career and look to have a bright future in the Australian rock scene. Overall, Elementary isn’t a ground breaking record, but it’s a record that is fun, catchy and reminiscent of the many punk rock bands that this reviewer enjoyed listening to growing up.
Sebastian Betten