Starcode
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
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New York City-based power pop rockers Starcode have no record label, but created a buzz this year after promoting their self-released debut album Hum to over 100 college radio stations in the U.S., from Iowa to Philadelphia, with help from Organic Entertainment. And after wearing out the repeat button on my stereo system while listening to this whole album the past few days, it's no wonder why Starcode has garnered so much attention in recent months.
Produced by Dale Penner (Nickelback) and mastered by Adam Ayan (A Perfect Circle, Nirvana), Hum clocks in at just under 40 minutes long, with all but two tracks under the four minute mark. From start to finish, Starcode have recorded 11 strong, radio-ready rockers that never stray from their unique formula of spacey power pop.
One of the many highlights of the album, "Fine" features an unrelenting metallic groove that only rests during the chorus, and is complimented by Paul Koelbel's electronic blurbs and synths. "Crash," perhaps the most spacey power pop track on the record, starts with guitarists Chris Conti and John Delehanty mixing in some cool, quiet harmonic notes over a hypnotic phaser or chorus effect before bassist/lead vocalist Dave O'Connor chimes in with his lyrics. As he utters the first word, "Crash," O'Connor almost sounds like Billy Corgan, but not quite. And though the spirit of punk rock pervades the album, unlike many of today's young, angst-ridden punk rock and so-called "emo" bands, O'Connor sings angry-sounding phrases like "[I]f I could come back to watch you cry/To really be there to haunt you/To suck the life out of you" loudly, but without angst, calculated or otherwise.
"Another Day" has everything from the punch of punk rock to summery, vibrating guitar lines, electronic loops, and even acoustic guitars, along with a memorable, albeit short and effect-laden guitar solo. Both "Another Day" and "Crash" have been in heavy rotation at college radio stations across the country this Spring.
Other standouts include "Ordinary," with its pretty melodies and solid drum work by Dave O'Connor's brother Dani, who also pounds away on "Sunshine," which leads off the CD and doesn't waste any time showing off their power rock prowess. On "Lately," their U2 influence can be heard in its opening and closing moments, and the last two songs, "I Don't" and "More Time," have Koelbel multitasking between his Wurlitzer on the former track and piano on the latter.
On Hum, Starcode has made one of the debut records of the year thus far, and certainly adds a distinct chapter to the power pop genre. With material as well crafted and produced as this, there's no telling how far Starcode can go. And if their college radio tour this past Spring gives any indication, it's only a matter of time before commercial alternative rock radio stations pick the album up and take this band to a whole new level of success.
Starcode will be headlining a free, all-day outdoor concert this Saturday, June 23, in Guilderland, New York at the Tawasentha Performing Art Center, just outside of Albany. For more info on the band, go to Starcode' - Blogcritics Magazine
Discography
Hum released in 06
A Fine Line release fall of 09'
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Bio
"The mix of influences and the raw musical delivery of each member of Starcode comes together on HUM delivering High Energy Hooky Pop Music, doing to the ears what fine wine does to the pallette." ~~Dale Penner
In a world where music conglomerates promote carbon copies and rip offs of other bands, Starcode keeps it real. Not only is Starcode the premiere rock band of the new generation, but their style of "High Energy Dark Pop Rock" music is what sets them apart from other musical acts. Chris Conti (guitarist), John Delehanty (guitarist) Paul Koelbel (keyboardist), Dani O'Connor (drums) and his brother Dave O'Connor (lead vocals/bassist) deliver energetic shows, which have helped secure a solid following in Albany, New York and tri-state area. They plan to conquer the universe with Hum, their newest offering, which showcases their music and highlights their talent. The sky's the limit and there's no telling how far they can (and will) go.
Prior to recording 'hum', Starcode got with an entertainment lawyer and were looking to work with a well-established producer for a new album, ultimately choosing hot shot producer Dale Penner, who helped mold Nickelback and the Matthew Good Band. The pairing between Starcode and Penner was a match made in heaven. "He really pushed us over the top with an album that is loaded with great, memorable and irresistible tunes," Dave O'Connor said. "We locked ourselves in a room for pre-production and came out with 11 amazing songs. He was amazed he could pull out that many."
After recording in three different locations (Hoboken, New Jersey, Albany, New York and Vancouver, Canada), the end product was appropriately titled Hum, their first album under their new name. "When we were recording in Hoboken, we had this horrendous overtone electrical hums going on that we couldn't get rid of," Dave O'Connor explained. "When we did the same set up in Albany and Vancouver, there was no hum. It was like the Hoboken Hum and it became a big joke."
Although Starcode loves to joke around, they take their music seriously. Their passion really shines through on Power Pop Jams like "Fine" and "Cold and Freezing." These tracks may seem aggressive, but these warriors aren't one dimensional; they can mix it up. After listening to grooves like "Lately" and "Crash," it's easy to close your eyes and see the picture Dave O'Connor paints. With tunes like these, it's no surprise why Starcode believes they can conquer the universe.
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