Northstar Review
Northstar - Pollyanna (Sophomore Album)
http://www.northstarrock.com
http://www.purevolume.com/northstar
Release Date: April 20, 2004
My Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Tracklisting:
1. For Members Only
2. Pollyanna
3. American Living
4. Pornographers Daughter
5. Like A.M. Radio
6. Accident Underwater
7. Two Zero Two
8. To My Better Angel
9. Between Horns And Halos
10. Digital Me
11. Rocket City
This is my official Northstar CD Review. I haven't even heard of this band until recently. All I have to say is, "Where have I been?" This cd is one of my absolute favorites.
Northstar consists of Nick (guitar, vocals), Tyler (guitar, vocals), & Gabe (drums). Coming from Huntsville, Alabama, this four-piece band have done well. Signing to Triple Crown Records in June of 2002 and now releasing their sophomore album, "Pollyanna." Their follow-up to the intoxicating, "Is This Thing Loaded" (Released October 22, 2002).
Northstar is a lyrically-driven band. There's no denying that. Their potency lies in their songwriting, and this record is definitely playing to that strength. The lyrics on this album are some of the best you’re going to hear this year.
Everytime I listen to the album, I get blown away at its sheer excellency. Sure, it gets occasionally repetitive but that's only a small part. The guitar work in some of the songs ("American Living", "The Underwater Accident", etc) are very good.
The CD starts out with the intense "For Members Only." The build-up in the beginning always gets me. Once I heard the first word, I instantly fell in love with it. Then it's followed by the insanely catchy "Pollyanna." This song is one of my favorites on the album. The chorus makes me want to sing along everytime. Next, it's "American Living", which is an amazing lyrical track.
As the CD progresses, it wears down to a couple of slower songs in the middle. Which, I might add, are unbelievably good. The stand-out track here is "Accident Underwater." It starts out mellow and slow and ends with a sweet guitar solo.
Right after "Two Zero Two", the tracks start to get faster...
Rather than going over the last 4 tracks, i'll leave you with that. I could go on forever about the remaining songs. It's truly an amazing ending to an amazing release.
In closing, I would encourage everyone to pick up this album. It's the most intriguing, unique and original piece of artwork i've heard in a while. I highly recommend it.
Pros: Unique sound, flows well, song structure, & lyrics.
Cons: Occasional repetition.