STARCASTLE

Starcastle's debut album exhibits intense Yes vibes, and while many shun this band for lacking originality, but this did not bother me all that much. This record just feels like a more fun version of Yes. If 'Fragile' or 'Close to the Edge' were happier, I feel it would be very similar to this album. The record kicks off with 'Lady of the Lake', which features some very Yes-esque guitar and ELP-like keyboards. I love this guitar riff because of how dumb it sounds. It feels like an intro to one of those dragon shows on PBS Kids. There is some great experimentation in the middle of the track, and it ends the way it starts. 'Elliptical Seasons' feels way too fake, and doesn't feel like there was much effort put into it by the band. The lyrics are okay, but definitely trying way too hard to be Yes. This song has its moments, but feels like a fusion of Queen and Yes, and in my mind, is not a great mix. And besides, Anderson and Mercury would be fighting for the stage, anyway. The next track is 'Forces', which starts with some very mediocre vocals, but the brief keyboard solo disposes of the contents in the 'musical trash' bin. Some bland melodies follow. At some point there is a very funky guitar solo, which is in my mind the highlight of this song. 'Stargate', which runs at just under three minutes, feels like another PBS Kids intro, except this time is much longer. This melts into 'Sunfield', another blegh happy-go-lucky track. Good lyrics and musicianship, when you can get past the fact that this is quite unoriginal. Ends perfectly, though. 'To The Fire Wind' is one of the best songs on this album. I love the lyrics, silly harmonies, and guitar. The last track on this album is 'Nova'. It is the shortest song on the album, and exhibits some great, technically impressive percussion skills. After about a minute, the synth enters the scene, and seconds minutes later the guitar comes and the track ends. A fun little ending to a fun little album.

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