EP REVIEW: Another Day, Another Squalor… – Starcrazy
Another Day, Another Squalor… is the second EP from STARCRAZY, following on from their 2021 release Played For Suckers. The Australian rock four-piece have been together since late 2019, and their blend of rock and pop, as well as their high-power performances, has put them on the map as one of the most exciting upcoming bands.
Galaxy O Luv kickstarts the EP. It sounds extremely inspired by the 1980s, which makes sense as the influences for STARCRAZY include ALICE COOPER. Whilst the song is a funky glam rock number, it does unfortunately sound like a band banking on nostalgia, which has been a growing trend over the past few years. It captures the spirit and energy of the band, but it just doesn’t quite hit the right notes image-wise, and leaves us questioning just who STARCRAZY are.
Thankfully, The Big Time makes up for this – mostly. It certainly sounds more polished than the opener, and it is commendable that they are bringing back the 70s and 80s rock sound, but on the other hand, that gimmick has been around a while, and has started to fade away.
The Open Sea at first falls into the same trappings of the previous songs. Thankfully, halfway through, it turns into its own thing. It is a breakthrough, and a most welcome one. It keeps the band’s high-energy and glam rock sound, but turns it into something that sounds unique. The guitar solo just before the final chorus is a particular highlight.
Egging Me On does the impossible and manages to make a short song not feel unfinished, and Hysterical has a nice guitar that plays throughout. The best thing about the EP is that it finds its feet during the course of the runtime. Although it gets off to a rough start, the EP fixes itself. The final song, Monday Morning (Prayer For Tony) continues the track record of improvement, as it is a funky, guitar-driven song. The bass is also mixed into the song well, creating a fun song that will translate well when played live.
Overall, STARCRAZY have another reasonably successful EP under their belts. Whilst Another Day, Another Squalor… might start out slow with a couple of songs that sound a little gimmicky, the band find their footing and improve upon their sound the further the EP goes on, and even the slightly rougher songs keep the energy of the band alive. The infectiousness of it is the key to this EP’s charm. Whilst it might sound like STARCRAZY are trying to pin down their sound, this EP pushes them in the right direction. It is a strong second outing. Despite some songs not hitting all the right notes, the energy, improvement, and general fun triumph over it. If you are looking for an EP to enliven you and wake you up, then this one is highly recommended.
Rating: 7/10
Another Day, Another Squalor… is set for release on March 10th via self-release.
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