STARFIRE

3.5 stars. I'm not sure why I can't get into this band. I have "What We Must" which was okay and I do feel that "Starfire" is a step up from that one, and I have yet to listen to "One-Armed Bandit" which I have and I'm hopeful that will be the one that clicks with me. I have enjoyed this all-instrumental album but I find the electronics to be too much despite also feeling this is fairly innovative. The other thing about this recording that sort of leaves me scratching my head is that while there is an abundance of instruments used on here it all seems to mesh together to the point that I was surprised at certain instruments were even used. This is a different beast for sure.

The thing that really got my attention with the opener "Starfire" was the tone of the synths before 1 1/2 minutes which immediately brought early PORCUPINE TREE to mind, not a bad thing at all. Lots of electronics, flute and synths but I like the calm before 7 1/2 minutes with the vibes. "Big City Music" is my least favourite and the longest track at over 14 minutes. It's still a good song though. I like the electronics that sound like rain to start, it then kicks in after a minute. Kind of a OZRIC TENTACLES vibe that comes and goes on this one as Drew mentions in his review. A calm before 3 minutes with those liquid sounding synths as strummed guitar joins in. An 80's vibe 5 minutes in with those synths that pulse. It turns brighter 8 minutes in then after 10 1/2 minutes we get some crazy synths. That brighter mood returns before 13 minutes to the end.

"Shinkansen" opens with some atmosphere as strummed guitar joins in. Keys around 1 1/2 minutes then flute which reminds me of 70's Fusion. This is good. The flute and a horn will trade off for a while and it's quite catchy before 6 minutes before the flute returns. "Oban" opens with drums with deep synths and electronics. Some 80's sounding synths join in after a minute. It settles down around 4 1/2 minutes then kicks back in before 6 minutes. There's those 80's sounding synths again before 10 1/2 minutes. I like the bass and horns early on in the next track called "Prungen". Sounds like a drum machine but probably isn't and we get plenty of synths. Lots of electronics after 4 minutes.

This did well in PA's annual Album Of The Year results so read BrufordFreak's(Drew) review for a more favourable slant on the music here, plus he's able to distinguish the sounds better than me.