Stark
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Stark

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"EP Review: Stark-Where The Grey Slates Meet"

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear Stark? Perhaps you think “Winter is coming?” (and it is, it’s bloody freezing). Perhaps you think of Tony Stark in his mighty Iron Man armour, well you can now add Stark the band to that list. They’re a pretty far cry from Tony Stark‘s beloved AC/DC though, so try not to get them confused.

And here they are with a new EP by the name of Where the Grey Slates Meet. Finally, Someone’s tackling the artistic conundrum that is roofing! The opening track from the EP, Circle Roads, is a country/folk ballad more in the vein of Seth Lakeman than Mumford and Sons. Its plucky banjo, acoustic guitar and laments of cold towns and cruel windsreally cement its place in the genre, however towards the end of the song, from nowhere (and Tony Stark will be pleased with this) comes a roaring electric guitar which really adds something to the mix.

The second track is entitled Sailor Song appropriately, as it is something of a bastardised sea shanty. The opening line, “Hold her steady, boys” could be lifted straight from What shall we do with a drunken sailor? However, despite these thematic resemblances it stays more in the country/folk genre without quite slipping into a full on a capella sing song to get some oars going, unfortunately.

Anger closes the EP and takes on a kind of Bluegrass feel with its slidey guitar riff. The thumping drums and bassline really suit the songs title and provide an aggressive drive until climaxing in a glorious cacophony of pent-up folky rage at the end. The whole EP sounds wonderful as well and our hats go off to the producer of the songs as each individual instrument sounds spot on.

All in all, then a triumphant effort from the Brighton trio and fans of the genre will certainly find something to entertain themselves. Also, one of them looks like Charlie from Lost. - Sound and Motion Magazine


Discography

Stark - Stark
Stark - Where the Grey Slates Meet
https://soundcloud.com/starkband/sets/where-the-grey-slates-meet

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Bio

Stark

‘Fantastic technique and real feeling’ Tenby Blues Festival, 2011

‘Stark’s music is fast and high-octane, with some particularly impressive guitar work and notable drumming’ Review of gig at The Fiddler’s Elbow, Brighton, 2012

Formed in the musical mecca of Brighton, this alternative folk power trio has become known as one of the town’s finest live acts. Having played extensively at venues and festivals up and down the UK over the last two years, they have built a strong following and gained a reputation for their superlative musicianship.

Jamie Francis, on guitar and lead vocals, is influenced by American blues artists such as Kelly Joe Phelps and Dan Tyminski. He started gigging at 12 and has supported several big names in the blues world, including Matt Schofield, Ian Siegal and Marcus Bonfanti.

With a background in samba and progressive rock, Evan Carson (on drums and vocals) brings a modern slant to proceedings. Influenced by percussionist Damien Manning and renowned session player Craig Blundell, he has toured Europe with a number of musical productions and bands.

Bassist Josh ‘Rusty’ Franklin has always taken great pleasure in performing, writing and producing music. Brought up in a musical family on a diet of Stevie Wonder, Motown and funk and soul artists giving him a great understanding of melody and harmony only present in these classic artists music. Rusty now applies his years of experience to Stark, filling out the bottom end with unique melodic flair.

Jamie, Evan and Rusty bring all their individual influences together – fusing blues, rock and folk – to create Stark’s distinctive and exciting sound. They now look forward to touring throughout the coming year in support of their latest EP, ‘Where the Grey Slates Meet’, which features tracks that are darker and more mature than those on their self-titled debut release.