Star of Tragedy

Review

Star of Tragedy Performs at Sisters

by Dianne Jones
Contributing Writer
diannejones@gayly.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sisters in Oklahoma City recently welcomed local band Star of Tragedy. I was lucky enough to catch this performance and think they should tweak the band’s name a bit to “Rising Star of Tragedy”. I remember being impressed with the innovation of a hard-rocking, alternative act adding keyboards to expand their sound provided by original member Cynde Johnson, as well as being equally impressed with the drumming skills and vocals of the only other original member, Starr Raven. I’ve been around the proverbial block and have seen a lot of live music in my day, but I sensed within minutes after the band took the stage that this was a band I’d like to see again. As original members Starr and Cynde went through a lineup change and re-emerged as Star of Tragedy, I got that chance. They have rounded out their sound with guitarists Derek Smith and Aaron Shupert, as well as bassist Craig Scott. They not only perform like a well-oiled machine, but they have the diversity of sound that not many bands can pull off, as the duty of lead vocals is divided between Starr and Aaron. I really liked the haunting original number Come Clean, the dedication to Starr’s mother called Spirit as well as the crowd favorite, Skin. They also do an incredible cover of a song by K’s Choice called I’m Not an Addict. You can catch this band at their upcoming gigs in OKC at Stars & Bars, Club Babylon, The Firehouse in Norman, and in Texas at such clubs as Firewater Bar and Grill and Hard Rock Cafe or look for them in a city near you. For booking, contact Starr Raven at (405) 691-1045 or visit www.staroftragedy.com.

- Dianne Jones

Artist: Star of Tragedy
11 song CD Demo

Review by John Townsend


Visit John's website www.JohnTown.com

The band, Star Of Tragedy, has several things going for it that could ultimately get them where they want to go. They have some good songs, they aren't afraid to explore a little and they can rock and roll when the tune calls for it. I think the cuts 'Come Clean', 'Freedom Fades' and 'Left Alone' would be viable in the Rock radio format.

Their CD arrived with the heading Demos scrawled on the cover with a large Sharpie, so I'm being gentle in the area of production. S.O.T. at some near point however, needs to find a really good production team or a first class recording engineer that has "been there and done that" in order to get them to the next level. Starr Raven seems to be the primary vocalist on the CD and she does a great all around job. Aaron, a recent acquisition, sings the last cut on this CD, 'She Lied To Me'. I think his addition is going to elevate the whole vocal scheme of the group by adding more variety. When critiquing demos, I'm generally much less judgmental but I think SOT is on the right track. I'd like to hear something from them again in say.....6 months, after they've had some time to gel with this new alignment. I think this band could really go far.

- Bitchin Entertainment