STARGAZER - review added 11th December 2009
Album Review: Stargazer (self-titled) (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and the night sky
There is at least one other rock band out there called Stargazer. The one I found comes from Australia and plays weird bouncy death metal. This Stargazer, from Norway, really doesn't sound anything like them.
The Norwegian Stargazer has only been around since the end of 2008 and consists of Tore Andre Helgemo on vocals, and William Ernstsen guitars and keyboards. The album was recorded with session musicians Morten Skaget on bass and Steinar Krokstad (Stage Dolls) on drums at Trondheim's Nidaros Studio with co-producers Helgemo and Ernstsen and engineer Rune Nordal.
First thing you really notice on this album is the vocals. Tore Andre Helgemo is, shall we say, characterful. Sometimes he actually sounds really good, but there are too many moments on the album when he becomes a tad uncomfortable to listen to. He is never terrible, but there are definitely times when I want to reach for the 'next track' button.
The songs themselves vary in quality from the not so good to the excellent. The strangely catchy 'Brother Against Brother' is darkly enjoyable. The slower and more controlled 'This Is The Night' is great, if rough around the edges. 'Working On The End' has a funky upbeat chorus. The biggest moment is saved for the end though when the totally off-the-wall 'Window To The World' rears it's deranged head. Again the performances aren't anywhere near perfect, but it's just such a moorish song I want to listen to it again and again.
Overall, this eponymous debut has its moments but it's hard to recommend it as a whole. There are definitely a few tracks worthy of download though.
Check out... The last track, but don't blame me if you hate it... :)
Track List:
1. I Needed You
2. Push Me
3. Brother Against Brother
4. This Is The Night
5. Whirlwinds
6. You Are The One
7. Keep The Good Times
8. Working On The End
9. The Cage
10. Dancing On Your Grave
11. Window To The World
Label: Avenue Of Allies
Artist's website(s): Stargazer , MySpace
