Violence Against STAR

 

STAR

Violence Against STAR

(self released)

It was still days of Myspace, when I first happened upon STAR, a Chicago trio that struck with short bursts of electric energy and controlled chaos.  Like so many artists did on that platform, they offered up a few songs for free download, and download I did, which then led to the full debut CD purchase (Devastator) from CD Baby.  God I feel like a relic!  That’s what makes this sophomore LP release such a surprise, it arrives 13 years after the debut and it’s like no time has passed, even though everything feels completely different now. 

 

STAR consisting of Scott Cortez (best known from loveliescrushing & Astrobrite) and Theodore Beck created soundscapes of noise that teetered somewhere between the all-out stabs of noisy feedback of Skywave and Barbed Wire Kisses Jesus and Mary Chain, which were then transformed into shiny little catchy pop nuggets by singer/songwriter Shannon Roberts and her both beautiful and disconcerting falsetto.  Whatever the case, the debut was a fun listen and was able to yield any kind of different takes with each listen.  Then, they disappeared.  Devastator received a nice reissue in 2016 on the fine Texas shoegaze label Saint Marie Records, which at the time reminded me to pull out the old CD and even contemplate purchasing it on vinyl (I did not). 

Then on Halloween 2018, STAR released a roaring, in-the-red, single named “Flesh Eating Mothers.”  It’s just over two minutes of blistering noise with a killer (and I mean killer) chorus.  What a surprise!  Then, another wait.  Now two years later “Flesh Eating Mothers” is back as a track on this full length second offering from the same lineup and another intoxicating stew of memorable songs bursting at the seams with a sardonic could give a fuck attitude, along with a healthy dose of tenderness.

Right away they dazzle with three stunning songs, among their best yet.  Violence opens with the bright, open air quality of the opening cut “Angel School Anthem,” the relentless pounding of “Blonde Sound,” and the incredible guitar hook of “Noise Parade” make this LP alone worth it.  It doesn’t end their though, because the LP plays out much like a greatest hits style package.  SideTwo opens with a similar one two three punch with the buzzy “Cruel 15” that has another appealing chorus, “Cock Swan” comes on like JAMC’s “Head On” and a whole other level of noise, when more and more guitars get added to the mix as the song progresses.  “In Your Arsenal” follows with yet another astonishing chorus and a serious need for upping the volume.  Elsewhere, “White Fear” comes on like some kind of demented High School cheer with the most timely and telling line of the entire record: “This is how fear always beats out reason.”  The entire album is really enjoyable.  I know the noise isn’t for everyone, or every mood, but there’s something captivating and inviting about these brief anthems.

Sadly, and with a heavy heart, I hate to say that Theodore Beck, Shannon’s husband, developed cancer and passed away late in October.  Apparently, we have him to thank for making sure this wonderful record found its way to completion, leaving us with an amazing gift.  Thank you so much.

 

(https://star13.bandcamp.com/)