Reviews

Atmospheric, airy music tends to hit a soft spot with me; I find much of it annoying and lazy, as people who enjoy it usually smoke pot and wear sport coats over their hoodies. Many bands of its variety that have come before prefer to play wind chimes in a fart breeze on their synthesizers rather than write a structured song because they let the music “flow” with them. If anyone has ever listened to themselves sing as they move with the emotion that carries them, be reminded, it’s just wailing, plain and simple. Loud, annoying wailing that sounds like shit vocally but somehow is okay for instrumentalists to exploit. I’m calling bullshit on this one.
 
But what’s to say for something a bit more upbeat and driven? Not just with tempo but something with real spirit and ideals and a sense of identity, not just a jam band with a dime bag and a false sense of artistic license to dick off. Your Black Star seems to fray the ends of atmospheric music and then tie them tighter than before. A mix of early new wave and punk rock with a bit of European and even grunge influence makes for an experience to shake the structure on which an avid music lover has built his or her musical taste upon.
 
The only difficulty I faced was in believing that the band was a three piece. The astoundingly full sound provides the audio illusion that there is more there than what is actually being played. The forward-driving drums and distant sounds of the guitar provide a sense of frailty being supported by timbering bass lines, giving the band its signature sound. Despite such a distinction, though, the atmosphere set by the album is highly dependent on the mood of its audience.
 
I gave the CD two listens; once after a conversation with a friend and once after a hard day of classes. The album sometimes provides a darker nature, a more somber mood to be set back and enjoyed in the background. On the other hand, it can send its audience into a whirlwind of memory and intricate thought, providing a soundtrack to analysis and reminiscing. It’s both haunting and pseudo romantic, dark and optimistic and it all depends on perspective. Not to sound like I’m being covert and attempting to boost CD sales but this album is perfect for taking a nap to or taking a late night car ride with friends.
 
The album’s strength not only lies in its individuality of band members and the equal split of lead amongst the instruments but also (and I never thought I’d say this) in its intrinsic, airy nature. Perhaps the only track on the album that went with the natural pop-trend was the last track, “Rockets,” which was still A-OK by my standards.
 
Despite pre-conceived notions of mediocrity, Your Black Star’s Sound from the Ground was enough to change my opinion, which is nearly impossible because I am never wrong, ever! 5 stars. Big ups to Wonkavision Records for picking a winner.