Music
Press
Those of you following the indie pop world with a keen eye know that one of the best little labels is Manic Pop Records from Minnesota. The label is quickly making a name for itself by releasing gem after gem. One of their upcoming releases is this new 7? from Chicago’s StarTropics. I can’t get this tune out of my head right now. At the beginning, I thought it had this Drums affectation, just basing that off the rhythm section, but it then begins to explore a more gentle sonic realm. You can pick up the By My Side/Tempest 7? on May 22nd. - Austin Town Hall
Those of you following the indie pop world with a keen eye know that one of the best little labels is Manic Pop Records from Minnesota. The label is quickly making a name for itself by releasing gem after gem. One of their upcoming releases is this new 7? from Chicago’s StarTropics. I can’t get this tune out of my head right now. At the beginning, I thought it had this Drums affectation, just basing that off the rhythm section, but it then begins to explore a more gentle sonic realm. You can pick up the By My Side/Tempest 7? on May 22nd. - Austin Town Hall
Chicago’s StarTropics are wildly charming to me in that lovely Sarah Records kind of way. I don’t often use Sarah as a descriptor, because at this point it’s been so overused that it almost means next to nothing. There’s something about that soft and sweet rhythm guitar and twinkling lead paired with a trebly drum machine click that just feels so right, though. “Into The Night" is definitely one for watching the world go by outside a window—you can practically see the trees and cars passing you by through the daydreamy lyrics: “seems so far away/perhaps another day." So, sure, I’m praising them for a sound that been done and done, but Indiepop fans definitely aren’t ones to scoff at derivation. When something new takes me back this genuinely, I can only close my eyes and smile. Bonus! Elsewhere on the demo things get a little Factory-y! - skatterbrain!
Chicago’s StarTropics are wildly charming to me in that lovely Sarah Records kind of way. I don’t often use Sarah as a descriptor, because at this point it’s been so overused that it almost means next to nothing. There’s something about that soft and sweet rhythm guitar and twinkling lead paired with a trebly drum machine click that just feels so right, though. “Into The Night" is definitely one for watching the world go by outside a window—you can practically see the trees and cars passing you by through the daydreamy lyrics: “seems so far away/perhaps another day." So, sure, I’m praising them for a sound that been done and done, but Indiepop fans definitely aren’t ones to scoff at derivation. When something new takes me back this genuinely, I can only close my eyes and smile. Bonus! Elsewhere on the demo things get a little Factory-y! - skatterbrain!
#8. StarTropics - StarTropics EP - Bloodbuzzed
#8. StarTropics - StarTropics EP - Bloodbuzzed
Wavy, hazy dreampop done well can entrance the aural aura, wafting around your eardrums like audible flowers. Chicago trio Star Tropics deal with this semi-lucid sense of the post-sleep world with careful and polished aplomb, with vocal gentility and a steady thud and chug of instrumentation that drills into your subconscious faster than you can realise you’re dreaming of astral planes and starlit nebulae. - This Is Prattle
Wavy, hazy dreampop done well can entrance the aural aura, wafting around your eardrums like audible flowers. Chicago trio Star Tropics deal with this semi-lucid sense of the post-sleep world with careful and polished aplomb, with vocal gentility and a steady thud and chug of instrumentation that drills into your subconscious faster than you can realise you’re dreaming of astral planes and starlit nebulae. - This Is Prattle
Discography
StarTropics EP
By My Side/Tempest - 7" Single
Photos
Bio
Avoiding the winter in a Logan Square basement, Chicago’s StarTropics began as original members Scott (lead guitar) and Loren (bass, vocals) found themselves huddled around a drum machine. Searching for the sound that would eventually define the band, StarTropics went on to become four musicians determined to write carefree, primary-colored pop songs. Blending boy/girl vocals on top of jangly Rickenbacker leads, a healthy dose of fuzzy rhythms and electronic beats, their songs can be described as equal parts celebratory and introspective.
Never one to put much stock in the idea of providence, Loren is still genuinely mystified over his chance meeting with Scott. A fall day in 2010 found Loren unemployed and out for a walk on Logan Boulevard. Convinced that he heard a familiar melody in the distance, he followed the tune until he was led to a tall greystone that was glowing in the oncoming dusk. While moments earlier the song was vaguely familiar, it was now clear that the guitar chiming from the attic window was “Back to the Old House”, an early Smiths b-side. A doorbell ring would reveal that Scott was the musician on the inside, and he was just whom Loren was looking to meet.
Instantly bonded over their mutual love of The Smiths, Scott and Loren quickly moved on to writing original material together. Finding other like-minded musicians proved to be a challenge, but after a few false starts they were equally excited and relieved to meet Nikki (guitar, vocals). Not only did Nikki bring a few original songs of her own, but also a soft, gentle voice that naturally blended with Loren’s. While sometimes alternating the role of lead vocalist, the airy harmony of their voices would become one of the defining characteristics of StarTropics’ dreamy sound.
2012 saw the band take their songs from out of the basement and into the concert halls of Chicago. Performing at venues such as Schubas, Subterranean, and Whistler, they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with touring acts like Eternal Summers, Porcelain Raft, and Panda Riot. They began to build a local fanbase with a steady stream of monthly gigs, while the release of their self-titled demo EP caught the attention of music blogs. This momentum led to an invitation to play the 2013 NYC Popfest, which they eagerly accepted. Along with the 7” release of By My Side (Manic Pop! Records) and the addition of newest member Dan (percussion), StarTropics are preparing to record their debut album which they hope to release this fall.
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