ESTRELLA

Download Festival Review - Anthony Woods

Download Festival - TBFM

Download Festival - Moshville Times

Press Clipping - Press and Journal

Press Clipping - Press and Journal

Press Clipping - Caithness Courier

Wildfire Festival - Planet Mosh

Wildfire Festival - MetalTalk

Live in Madrid - Red, Hard and Heavy

Live in Barcelona - Metal Symphony

After appearing at the inaugural Les-Fest last year, this Scottish quartet have been busy making quite a name for themselves all over the UK and Europe, so it was no surprise that a warm welcome was in store for them at this year's Les-Fest.

There was standing room only in the arena as the band burst on with 'Shout', and the party down the front was already in full swing before the band got half way through the song. Somehow the les-Fest stage seemed too small for a band that is so full of energy.

'She's Got' has lead guitarist Luke Gunn showing his skills whilst vocalist brother Paul Gunn doesn't need to work up the crowd as the lap up the attention from him, as they reached across the barrier in an abortive attempt to press the flesh with their idols.

Bass player Nathan Gunn (the third brother) gave a solid performance during 'One Love' whilst Luke pulls another astounding solo out of the bag before Paul gets the audience bouncing once again before he leading the audience into a community sing along - fantastic stuff!

With their set coming up to half way, it's party central right from here on, right through to the end of the last note of their set. Drummer Leo McPherson is a mass of hair at the back as he earnestly bashes out a solid drum track on 'Do It 'Till We Drop' - a song that the fans know only too well and are more than happy to sing and shout along with Paul.

Paul is the consummate professional front man as he shouts "Scream for me Les-Fest" (probably for the first time ever!) and the packed crowd replied with a collective scream of joy - this band could do no wrong during their performance and surely must go down as one of the highlights of this year's festival, as the squeezed out every inch of energy from band and audience during their set.

All too soon, they reach the end of their time slot, and 'Party' which has the crowd partying one last time. Estrella came to Les-Fest where they played, they rocked and they enlarged their fan base further. This was a job well done and these boys deserve everything they are undoubtedly going to achieve in the future.

I caught up with Luke Gunn and Leo McPherson after their triumphant Les-Fest set, to ask what they have planned for the rest of 2013:

"We plan going to England for a support tour", explains Luke, "before coming back to Scotland for a wee headline tour in August, but the main focus in planning another trip to Europe (they supported Robin Beck for seven dates in Germany and Switzerland in October 2012) in November/December hopefully", adds Luke, "but with the tour, what we're trying to do is to get support slots with bigger bands. We have a few lined up already with SkyFest in Mansfield and Attica Rage in Glasgow, both in September", he adds.

Bringing the conversation to Les-Fest itself, I'm interested to find out how the band was asked to play the inaugural one in 2012: "It was actually Ted Rock, a well know Rock DJ", confirms Luke, "who told us that this guy Dave (Ritchie - Les-Fest organiser) was putting this festival together, so a couple of days later I gave Dave a phone call and he explained what he was putting together. He checked us out online and then got back in touch and said he would like to add us onto the bill. From there, the rest is history", he adds with a smile before adding "y'know, he liked what he saw, and so he asked us back again this year, which was nice for us".

I was lucky enough to be at the inaugural Les-Fest where I saw the band live for the first time, and I mention to Luke what an incredible reception they got last year, but how did it compare to the reaction from this years audience? "When we played last year", Luke explains, "our album had only just been released and our tour set was still kind of fresh, we were still trying out ideas. Our tour show now", adds Leo "is stuff that we've worked up over time, so we're more polished. We're getting more audience interaction now", continues Luke, "so that's good!"

Moving onto other future plans, Luke confirms that the band have already laid down some plans to return to the recording studio to record the follow up to 'Come Out To Play'. "We're hoping to try some new material out", says Leo with a smile before adding "maybe a couple of tracks or a single" before Luke says they hope to "get some tracks put together in the last quarter of the year (for a projected EP to be released early in 2014) and we're in the planning stages of getting to the United States in the springtime next year, so that should be a good one".

"With America, y'see" explains Luke, "it's all about finding the right agent to get some good support slots or tours by knocking on a few doors and making a - Johnny Main, Metal Talk

Every now and again at a festival you come across a band who give you tingles from that first chord and make you wonder how you have managed to get through life without their music. This was most definitely the case for me while watching Estrella play at Les-Fest on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, after a quick look at the crowd, it soon became apparent I have been slow on the uptake as they already seem to have a dedicated following… my favourite being a six year old minirocker who was up on his dad’s shoulders singing along like there was no tomorrow. Amazing!

These Aberdonian boys brought an energy to the main stage that even some of the bigger headline acts over the weekend failed to create. They rocked a set filled with tracks from their debut album, Come Out to Play, which is available now to buy on iTunes. Their 80s rock sound gives them an AC/DC vibe and their confidence onstage sparks an excitement in the crowd which leaves them wanting more. From opening track, Shout (I Wanna Hear You) through to their final number, Party, there is such a sense of passion and fun from these guys that make them more addictive than the beer they are named after. Lead singer Paul Gunn has the voice and smile that could charm the pants off even the sourest faced rocker and get them fist pumping along with the best of them. It certainly appears talent runs in his family as his two brothers, Nathan on bass and Luke on lead guitar held their own, each showcasing their individual abilities. Luke in particular left me open mouthed during his impressive solo on Do It ‘Till We Drop all whilst being stood in one of the most rock star poses of the weekend. A mention has to be also given for the one non family member of the band, Leo on drums who kept the noise levels high and the band tight.

Estrella were voted Scottish New Music Award winners last year and after the thunderous set they treated us to at Les-Fest I strongly believe this is only the start for these guys. My advice would be to catch them live and see how infectious these Scots can be. They have announced a handful of gigs across the UK over the next few months which can been seen on their website http://estrellarocks.com/.
- Chantelle Marie, Cackblabbath

But enough of the press room and back to the main stage for Estrella. I saw them for the first time in Ibiza in May and enjoyed the set then, but this time I thought they were much better. Perhaps because the room at Les Fest allowed a better atmosphere which helped you to be surrounded by the music. Either way I thought they really pulled it out of the bag with this set…in fact it was bloody blinding. It’s also always fun to see bands leave the stage and move into the audience. This time it was the turn of Luke Gunn; bringing his guitar skills into the crowd to be surrounded immediately. Top work. - Rowena, Planetmosh

The second act of the night, are no strangers to my gigging habits. As always, Estrella’s high octane songs and stellar delivery packed a mighty big punch. The crowd were on song throughout their set, with songs such as Party, Do It ‘til We Drop and One Love particularly sounding on form. As always lead singer, Paul Gunn was on hand to rally the ‘Warriors’ whilst Nathan, Leo and Luke kept the music coming. How many other ways can I say that these guys kick arse? - Kirsty Fraser, New Hellfire Club Glasgow

The set of the weekend though absolutely went to the next band I watched. I've seen these Aberdonians a fair few times now and they've always played like there’s no tomorrow but their Les-Fest set was something else. Playing to one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, Estrella created a real energy in the room that had old and new fans alike raising their hands to the roof. Playing songs from their debut album, Come Out to Play, Paul Gunn on lead vocals knows how to filter the energy from the room into his vocal performance whilst Leo, on drums, and Nathan, on bass, keep the rhythm section tight. The real star of the performance however, is brother to Paul and Nathan and lead guitarist Luke Gunn who took centre stage for guitar solos aplenty and played with both fervour and skill. The extended guitar solo on Do It ‘Til We Drop was enough to earn the set five gold stars but that shouldn't take anything away from Paul, Nathan and Leo. These guys have real personality on stage and the goods to back it up. With something for everyone here - young, old, male and female - Estrella ratcheted up the energy levels right through to final song Party. It really was a set to behold. They have more gigs announced, including a support slot for Attica Rage in Glasgow’s Classic Grand in September. I suggest you get yourself down there. - Kirsty Fraser, New Hellfire Club Glasgow

United Kingdom - Daily Record

United Kingdom - Daily Record

United Kingdom - Classic Rock

United Kingdom - Classic Rock

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - John o Groat Journal Website

United Kingdom - John o Groat Journal Website

United Kingdom - Evening Express

United Kingdom - Evening Express

United Kingdom - Donside Piper

United Kingdom - Donside Piper

Brazil - Stock Rock Radio

United Kingdom - John O Groat Journal - Margaret Chrystall

United Kingdom - Rocktopia

United Kingdom - Rocktopia

Portugal - Carlos Santos

United Kingdom - Press and Journal

United Kingdom - Highland News - Margaret Chrystall

United Kingdom - Evening Express

United Kingdom - John O Groat Journal - Will Clark

United Kingdom - Scottish Sun - Jim Gellatly

United Kingdom - Dumfries

United Kingdom - Dumfries

United Kingdom - Evening Express

United Kingdom - Evening Express

United Kingdom - Press and Journal

United Kingdom - Press and Journal

United Kingdom - Orcadian

United Kingdom - Orcadian

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - Caithness Courier

United Kingdom - The Bolton News

United Kingdom - The Bolton News

United Kingdom - Dumfries

United Kingdom - Dumfries

United Kingdom - Powerplay - Rob Evans

United Kingdom - Powerplay - Rob Evans

United Kingdom - Press and Journal - Aberdeen

United Kingdom - Press and Journal - Aberdeen

United Kingdom - Highland News - Margaret Chrystall

United Kingdom - Highland News - Margaret Chrystall

United Kingdom - Powerplay - AOR Underground - Rob Evans

USA - Screamer Magazine

USA - Screamer Magazine

USA - Woody's Rock Review

Denmark - Calles Rock Corner

Denmark - Calles Rock Corner

United Kingdom - Black Velvet Magazine - Shari Black

United Kingdom - Black Velvet Magazine - Shari Black

United Kingdom - Fireworks Magazine

United Kingdom - Fireworks Magazine

United Kingdom - Fireworks Magazine

United Kingdom - Hard Rock Nights

United Kingdom - Hard Rock Nights

United Kingdom - Inverness Gigs Website

United Kingdom - Chris Lemon - Inverness Gigs

United Kingdom - Interview - Caithness Life Magazine - Alan Hendry

United Kingdom - Trend - David Nicholson

United Kingdom - Powerplay Magazine - Rob Evans

United Kingdom - Powerplay Magazine - Rob Evans

United Kingdom - Fireworks - Nicky Baldrian

United Kingdom - Fireworks - Nicky Baldrian

United Kingdom - Dave Ling Diary

United Kingdom - Dave Ling Diary

United Kingdom - Planet Mosh - Sheila Hamilton

United Kingdom - Planet Mosh - Sheila Hamilton

United Kingdom - Metal Talk - Johnny Main, Les-Fest

United Kingdom - Glasgow Stairway - Johnny Main

United Kingdom - Glasgow Stairway - Johnny Main

United Kingdom - Rock Fusion - Edward Laing

United Kingdom - Rock Fusion - Edward Laing

United Kingdom - The Mayfair Mall Zine - Seb Di Gatto

United Kingdom - Dundee - Dead Ernest Website

United Kingdom - Dead Ernest Website - Dundee

United Kingdom - Evening Express - Eoin Smith

United Kingdom - Classic Rock Website - Jason Ritchie

United Kingdom - Aberdeen Student Radio - Faith Thomson

United Kingdom - Black Velvet Magazine - Shari Black

Russia - Melodic Rock AOR

Russia - Melodic Rock AOR

Canada - 101.1Fm Rossland Radio - John Kerief

Canada - Gonzo Online - Premier Online News and Video Source

United Kingdom - Rockulus Maximus - Gary Clarke

United Kingdom - Rockulus Maximus - Gary Clarke

United Kingdom - Classic Rock - Dave Ling - Jukebox

United Kingdom - Classic Rock - Dave Ling - Jukebox

United Kingdom - Classic Rock Website

Netherlands - Lazy Rocker - Marc Schneider

Netherlands - Lazy Rocker - Marc Schneider

Denmark - Calles Rock Corner Website

Denmark - Calles Rock Corner Website

Germany - AOR Heaven Website Newsletter

Germany - AOR Heaven Website Newsletter

United Kingdom - Future Publishing - Classic Rock Magazine

USA - NEH Records

United Kingdom - The Gazette

United Kingdom - The Gazette

Indonesia - Metal Music Archives

Indonesia - Metal Music Archives - Stephen Kasenda

Indonesia - Metal Music Archives - Stephen Kasenda

Germany - Music By Mail

Brazil - On The Road - Anderson Pulegio

Brazil - On The Road - Anderson Pulegio

Germany - Rock Garage

United Kingdom - Get Ready To Rock - Jason Ritchie

United Kingdom - Get Ready To Rock - Jason Ritchie

Cuba - Senda Productions - Holywood California

Scotland - Scottish New Music Awards

Scotland - Scottish New Music Awards

Scotland - Scottish New Music Awards

Scotland - Scottish New Music Awards

World's Shortest Street - Press and Journal - Morgan Lindsay

Chart Position - Debut Album - AOR Top 10 - AOR Top 10

Chart Position - Debut Album - AOR Top 10 - AOR Top 10

Chart Position - Debut Album - North America Top Online Seller - North America Top Online Seller

Chart Position - Debut Album - iTunes Top 200 Rock Albums - iTunes

Chart Position - Debut Album - iTunes Top 200 Rock Albums - iTunes

Estrella - Feb 12th, 2012 - Faith Tompson - Aberdeen Student Radio

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j298/Dr-Tom-/Press%20Release/201111-EveningExpress.jpg - Evening Express

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j298/Dr-Tom-/Press%20Release/201111-EveningExpress.jpg - Evening Express

Estrella in Aberdeen's Trend Magazine - Dec 2011 / Jan 2012 - Trend Magazine

Estrella - Trend Magazine

EP Review by Dundee’s Leading Promoter, Dead Earnest. 11/11/2006


“Debut 5-tracker from Aberdeen band with a flair for eighties influenced rock and metal, and if you think that's a musical scene that should not be resurrected, then you've clearly not heard this band, for this takes that whole style and makes it into something exactly the same but so fresh sounding.

Every one of the 5 tracks on here is the sound of commercial metal at the peak it was back in the late seventies and early eighties, a mix of both British and American styles so that a track like the opener and title track, “She’s Got It”, bears a passing resemblance to something that a mix of Autograph and Saxon might have put out, with its insistent verse and chorus superbly sung by a vocalist with a really strong voice as he delivers the song to perfection. Meanwhile the twin guitar attack really sparks and, combined with strong, well produced and sonically evident rhythm section, just takes off on an AOR-laced anthem that really rocks.

"Woman's Touch" veers more towards the UK< specifically on-fire vintage UFO, and you could just imagine this song having been one of that band's treasures, a song they'd have probably killed for, as the vocals soar out, the guitar riffs burn and red hot lead guitar solos and duels are heard above the driving rhythm section and high-flying harmonies, on a song that makes seventies/eighties metal sound alive, vibrant and every bit as good as the best of its day.

"Going For Glory" continues the UFO feel but this time with a healthy dose of Thin Lizzy and hints of Saxon, as a stunning anthem just bursts into life amid a hail of guitar riffs and steaming leads, the vocals every bit as strong as before, only this time with a chorus that is pure metal bliss, one that you'd have been unable to get out of your head back in the old days, had it existed, and, as it happens, having exactly the same effect now. If any song around right now could be called "Classic Rock", this is it - and it is simply sensational.

"Wet 'N' Wild" ups the pace with a mix of AC/DC and UFO as this awesome stunner of a red hot rock song blasts out of the speakers, enough to have any AC/DC fan going crazy on the dancefloors and so addictive, you won't be able to give it up without medical assistance. The vocals, guitar work and rhythm section in perfect harmony, this one ROCKS!!! - and that guitar solo - ohhhhh......to die for.

Finally, you get "Ride Away" completes the picture with a churning sea of guitars introducing a red hot stunner of a song with rock solid drums providing the meatiest of beats as this hail of guitars rains down on a strident rocker that takes no prisoners and just rocks its ass off with stunning dual guitar leads and riffs, as the vocal delivers the song in immaculate, impassioned and impossibly brilliant fashion, the final anthem on an EP that's choc full of the things.

If you want late seventies/eighties influenced UK metal at its finest, then forget the past and concentrate on this - it won't let you down, it's a blast of genius from start to finish and it rocks like a demon. You HAVE to buy one or your life is simply incomplete”.



For more info check out the Dead Earnest Website
- Dead Earnest

“PARTY was one of the freshest tracks I played that week”, “Estrella have the seeds in place for worldwide success!" - Jim Gellatly

After appearing at the inaugural Les-Fest last year, this Scottish quartet have been busy making quite a name for themselves all over the UK and Europe, so it was no surprise that a warm welcome was in store for them at this year's Les-Fest.

There was standing room only in the arena as the band burst on with 'Shout', and the party down the front was already in full swing before the band got half way through the song. Somehow the les-Fest stage seemed too small for a band that is so full of energy.

'She's Got' has lead guitarist Luke Gunn showing his skills whilst vocalist brother Paul Gunn doesn't need to work up the crowd as the lap up the attention from him, as they reached across the barrier in an abortive attempt to press the flesh with their idols.

Bass player Nathan Gunn (the third brother) gave a solid performance during 'One Love' whilst Luke pulls another astounding solo out of the bag before Paul gets the audience bouncing once again before he leading the audience into a community sing along - fantastic stuff!

With their set coming up to half way, it's party central right from here on, right through to the end of the last note of their set. Drummer Leo McPherson is a mass of hair at the back as he earnestly bashes out a solid drum track on 'Do It 'Till We Drop' - a song that the fans know only too well and are more than happy to sing and shout along with Paul.

Paul is the consummate professional front man as he shouts "Scream for me Les-Fest" (probably for the first time ever!) and the packed crowd replied with a collective scream of joy - this band could do no wrong during their performance and surely must go down as one of the highlights of this year's festival, as the squeezed out every inch of energy from band and audience during their set.

All too soon, they reach the end of their time slot, and 'Party' which has the crowd partying one last time. Estrella came to Les-Fest where they played, they rocked and they enlarged their fan base further. This was a job well done and these boys deserve everything they are undoubtedly going to achieve in the future. - Metaltalk, Johnny Main