The Music Spectrum Notebook Series digs into my handwritten notes and reviews on older releases still getting my attention as 2010 comes to a close.
I’ve been digging the pseudo-Britrock music on the opening credits of Fox’s Lie To Me. Seeking out the song, “Brand New Day,” led me to release it is by Ryan Star from his 2010 release, 11:59. The song rocks in that indie pop way where it’s definitely sliding towards pop without losing some edginess. The track itself has some funky dance hints even as it becomes anthemic at other times as if Coldplay slipped into a poppier mold. That’s what makes the song crack your consciousness and catch you singing along. Plus, the production keeps the track full of interesting fills and effects including a tremendous piano break.
Elsewhere on 11:59, Star mainly seems like a beefed-up pop artist, such as I hear on Kill the Alarm, where it’s compelling enough to attract attention of indie lovers but still keeps that pop foundation.
I realize now that Star came to international attention after being on the reality series Rockstar: Supernova back in 2006. However, that part of the story missed me. This may explain why Star slips and falls on occasion, letting those pop sounds get a little cliché especially on the “sexual desire/we’re going to start a fire” of “Start a Fire” which borrows a guitar riff from “Eye of the Tiger.”
In some ways, this might be compared to where Charlie Sexton began. Now an Americana/roots artist with great production chops, Sexton originally released two solo albums while he was quite young which showed off some guitar skills despite the pop production elements. Star might have what it takes to grow out of the pop production elements and let his voice shine in unvarnished way.
