From the opening angular riff of ‘Afterglow’ it is clear that Killerstar are up there as the kings of modern pop-rock.
Rob Fleming and James Sedge are Killerstar, along with Mike Garson on piano, Earl Slick on guitars, Mark Plati on bass (all ex-Bowie), plus the Webb Sisters on bvs (Leonard Cohen & Tom Petty), and this is the follow up to their acclaimed debut album, although they are both well known around the UK and US scenes. The duo came together in 2023 and delivered their first album in March of 2024.
The new album is a little heavier in mood and tone, synths are added and there is pseudo-brass on a few tracks. To my ear, it has a feel of eighties rock, but with a heightened feel for musicality and real instruments – no syndrums here.
Take a number such as ‘So Easy’. Proud and bouncy pop with a strong riff – very danceable and equally musical at the same time.
‘Invincible’ is strong and intense, anthemic and with a strong piano motif. ‘There Has To Be A Reason’ has some fine guitar work, along with whispered vocals – almost Magazine like but with Bowie touches too.
Every track feels as though it can be played live and the whole album gives the sense of a project that has been worked through in the minds of Fleming & Sedge.
There isn’t a weak number here, and some of the playing is exceptional. Even though it was recorded in different cities and countries with files flying back and forth across the ocean, there is a great band feel and it really is bright and strong.
I have a feeling that I’ll be listening to this one for months.
