Reviews roundup – Doug Gillard vs.Red Letter Statement vs. Starchild vs. The Fireflys
DOUG GILLARD
Parade On
Nine Mile Records
Ah. Indie rock. Oh, hang on, I think there’s someone at the door. Why I’d be delighted to buy a copy of The Watchtower. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea? I’ll just turn the record player of. Yes, indie rock. And Doug Gillard is a stalwart of the indie rock world having performed with Guided by Voices, Death of Samantha, Cobra Verde, Nada Surf, My Dad is Dead and many other bands I’ve never heard of.
This is his third solo album, and it is solo apart from a drummer. And it’s very indie indeed. If you grew up listening to eighties indie and going to shitty university “discos”, then this will all sound very familiar to you. It’s rock music for whey faced white boys who’re too scared of proper rawk music, and who think that The Killers are alternative.
There is one good song that seems to have sneaked in, and that’s ‘Angel X’, which is unlike any other tune here, and is actually listen-able. OH, yes, I would be interested in a free personality test.
RED LETTER STATEMENT
Love People
Red Letter Statement
Ah, now that’s spooky. After my religious references regarding indie rock up there somewhere, what should be next in line but some Christian alt-rock. Oh, yes, He’s out to get me. The reunited Red Letter Statement are spreading the message of God via the medium of post grunge-lite.
Now I happen to believe in God, thanks to the fear of Him being put in me at an early age up the Sacred Heart, so have no problem with lyrics extolling His virtues and urging us to be better people. I would, but I have confession to take care of that. Thing is, the music is not that memorable. The band are very good, and vocalist Adam Erickson can certainly hold a tune, but apart from the near power ballad ‘The Rain’ I’m not inclined to listen to any of the songs again.
That is a good tune, though. Get that play-listed on college radio, and you’re on your way. Nothing else is actually bad, it just doesn’t stand out. Shame.
STARCHILD
Starchild
Monopol (DA Music)
Aiiiieee!!! Power metal time. From Germany. The heartland of power metal. And it has certainly got rid of the cobwebs. Lead vocalist and guitarist Sandro Giampietro has worked with Michael Kiske and along with Dennis Hormes (guitar), Jens Becker (bass guitar / ex Running Wild, Grave Digger), Michael Ehrè (drums) and Esmeralda on electric violin (oh, yes), has put together a cracking slice of melodic power metal.
They certainly know how to engage with fans of the genre as they’ve named themselves after the half human / half alien Mexican Starchild skull, and made a science fiction inspired video for the title song. So that’s every fourteen year old boy geek immediately ensnared. Result! They’ve already played Wacken Open Air and are off on tour with German legends Edguy, so they’re in with a chance.
Fortunately, the music is good too, falling into that Iron Maiden / Helloween vibe so beloved by the metal masses. There are plenty of good tunes, with the title track, ‘Eyes of History’ and ‘Morningstar’ currently top of my metal mountain. A cracker of an album, highly recommended.
THE FIREFLYS
Embers Of The Autumn
Canadia Records
And BANG! It’s right back down to Earth with the arrival of The Fireflys. If you really want to get me running to the hills, here are some key words. “The band, whos (sic) influences include The Smiths, REM and Pearl Jam, are advocates For Animal Rights activism, Vegetarianism and are often Politically outspoken against Right Wing Conservatism.”
I’ll get my coat. Yes, Runcorn based alt rock band The Fireflys are here to save the world, with some grunge-lite meets scratchy indie. Take that ISIS! In their favour, the singer can actually sing, and if the acousticy ‘Hummingbird’ came on the radio I wouldn’t turn it off, but much of the rest of it is just white noise to my ears. This is what you would hear if you turned on BBC3 and they were showing the Best of T In The Park, a world where bands are interchangeable and everyone is so, so pleased with themselves. Me, I need a shower to wash it away.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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