Kicking off their fifth and latest, Love’s You, “Starlight’s Glow” is a song that shimmers with all manner of pop history, from 60’s Beach Boys’ vibes (the album title itself a nod to the band) to 90’s “blonde pop” bands such as The Darling Buds and even taking in bands such as Blondie along the way.
But it’s just proof that great pop sounds never go out of style, and I see this less as an exercise in nostalgic reverie, more that Sputnik the Band is happy to write the next chapter of that particular musical strand. Much as bands like Jody and the Jerms are doing in the UK right now.
The joy of “Starlight’s Glow” is its sheer accessibility, its sense of fun, and its ability to be both groovy and delicate, contagious and effortlessly cool. The beat hooks your head, demanding that it gets your feet to move in time; Nigel’s shimmering, scintillating guitar lines capture your heart; but your soul belongs to Genie’s gorgeous, seductive vocals.
If you think that pop music is the bastion of synth-playing, sample-stacking, gimmick-weilding studio kids, then “Starlight’s Glow” is a brilliant reminder that it was once the bastion of guitar-slingers and uneffected, unstudio-processed singers, bass propelled and driving on analog drums…you know, actual people hitting things with sticks! Thanks to Sputnik the Band, it is again.
Good work, people. Let’s dance!
Website
Facebook
Bandcamp
YouTube
Instagram
