Demo-Rec: starships

This slowly grew on me during the last couple of weeks. STARSHIPS are from Berlin & Hamburg in Germany and play Emo. It's impossible to put these guys into a category right now, cause this category doesn't really exist. It's not too far away from the new Emo-Pop-Wave, lead by bands like SOMERSET THROWER, SPARING or KOYO. Still, this is way more raw and more dissonant. 

The four-piece is probably influenced by the 90s movement and bands like LYNC, CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE, TEXAS IS THE REASON, BOILERMAKER and GARDEN VARIETY. Despite some similarities with stuff like that, the mostly upbeat nature of the songs and the classic demo-production totally set them apart from anything I've heard... especially in the here and now. This definitely is a unique take on Emo!

Do yourself a favor and give these songs some time. I was on the edge on giving up on it, after the first spin, but I kept on and now it's on heavy rotation. It's hard to get into, cause the production is fuckin' rough, the mix has its flaws and the vocals are a bit clunky. Ironically I do like the imperfect vocals now, as the deliverance is passionate as fuck. The songwriting is also pretty strong. At first impression it might seem a bit monotonous, as the beat is straight most of the time. But there is a lot to be discovered here, with creative and unconventional harmonies, interesting song-progressions, catchy chorusses, and exceptional, moody guitar playing. A stunning demo, that leaves me back wanting more...