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Michael Doherty's Review of The Complete Recordings
This is music that feels like summer to me.
Not this summer, perhaps, but a normal summer, a good summer. You know, that positive, fun, youthful, carefree sound that promises warm days, excitement and good times, with guitar work leading the way. Music you want to enjoy with friends outside.
Read the whole review on Michael Doherty’s Music Blog
Midnight Caller Radio Hour
Let’s Have a Record Party!
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Video Premier and Interview with Ron Hart
Daystar are one of the more exciting new American pop acts to discover on BandCamp in 2020.
“…this stirring collection comes imbued with music whose DNA is rich with the spirit of old used copies of classic LPs by ELO and Wings brought to life…”
Read the whole interview and watch the video for “Fade Away, Love” on Rock and Roll Globe now.
Baby Sue Review of The Complete Recordings
“
Smart, melodic, and recorded with acute attention to detail, The Complete Recordings is one helluva debut.
”
These folks are belting out of the gates on a real high and we can only imagine what they've got up their sleeves for future releases.
Read the whole review from Baby Sue now.
INsite Atlanta Review of The Complete Recordings
“Nineteen-seventy's power pop never sounded so good.”
Portland-based four piece Daystar may borrow inspiration liberally from bands like Big Star, Wings and Badfinger, but their songs still manage to smack of originality.
Musoscribe Review of The Complete Recordings
“Daystar really don’t aim to sound like anyone but themselves.”
It’s just that the timeless production values, and little things like mixing the close-harmony vocals and lead guitar parts right out front, tend to remind one of the way they used to do it.
Take Effect Review of The Complete Recordings
“…where classic and psych-rock ideas are used alongside power-pop on this stunning debut.”
A listen that’s never short on hooks, harmonies and nostalgia, The Complete Recordings is a fine first effort and will strike a chord with those who fawn over legends like Badfinger or Wings.
The Complete Recordings Reviewed by IDHAS
“…this will be high up in my Best Of 2019 list. It's Exceptional.”
Daystar have provided an outstanding opening album. It knows what it wants to do and goes off and does it to perfection. Many dabble and have a go at this sort of Pop Rock. Few master it. These four have and this will be high up in my Best Of 2019 list. It's Exceptional.
Read the whole review on IDHAS now.
Derek Interviewed For The Casting For Two Podcast
A Delightful Conversation
Derek and Chris discuss the creative process, negative reviews and living in Chicagoland.
Neu Futur Review of The Complete Recordings
“The Complete Recordings has a vibe for just about any mood.”
The Complete Recordings is a masterclass in building, taking the foundation of some of the best post-Beatles bands to ever commit to wax and then erecting a wildly satisfying modern take on those sounds.
Read the full review on NeuFutur now.
The Big Takeover Review of The Complete Recordings
“Ah, the virtues of two guitars, bass, drums and melody.”
What makes Daystar stand out isn’t that they do anything particularly different with the form – it’s just that they’re so damn good at it.
Read the full review on The Big Takeover now.
Americana-UK Review of The Complete Recordings
“Daystar are essentially a celebration of all that’s good in power pop”
They conjure a wonderful sound and ‘The Complete Recordings’ is well recommended to anyone in love with jangled, starry eyed and propulsive power pop.
Read the full review on Americana-UK now.
Atlas and Anchor Feature "Buttons & Brass"
Indie Band Guru Premiers The "Warped Reality" Video
“Daystar returns with their bristling pop and roll sound”
The rest of The Complete Recordings is just as touching and musically amazing.
Read the whole write-up on Indie Band Guru now.
Jersey Beat Review of The Complete Recordings
“…will make Jeff Lynne beam with pride”
“Warped Reality”, a song that could have easily earned the band a contract with Apple Records.
Read the full review on Jersey Beat now.
Melodic Net Review of The Complete Recordings
“This is a band with such class.”
A true recommendation for all fans of soft 60’s and 70’s rock.
Read the full review on Melodic Net now.
Cinepunx Review of The Complete Recordings
“The Perfect Sunday Morning Record”
A really nice review of our debut album, The Complete Recordings, here from Nick Spacek at Cinepunx. Money quote:
I was in on the “RIYL: Big Star, Badfinger, Zeus, the Raconteurs, Cheap Trick” aspect of the band, because obviously, but it was when I dropped the needle on the LP that I really thanked my lucky stars that the album showed up in my mailbox.
Read the whole thing at Cinepunx now.
Midnight Caller Ep. 6
The latest episode of Midnight Caller is live and it’s another creepfest. Summer is over and it’s back to school, where you’re reunited with friends…and not-friends.
NOTE: Headphones are STRONGLY encouraged.
Kelly Simmons Talks to Vinyl District About Album Cover Art
Kelly discusses his love of album cover art and livingroom campouts when the lights go out in this feature for Vinyl District.
In some ways I feel like vinyl albums are the book version of the video age. Sitting in front of a set of speakers with the album in your hands looking at artwork, reading lyrics, seeing who played on the albums, sometimes the instruments used. It sets the imagination on fire to the big picture of the band and the record. Imagine the inspiration that can do to an 8-year-old kid holding his mother’s Queen album in his hands.”
This is why the cover of our debut album, The Complete Recordings, was so important to nail. And we have our good friend Patrick Craig at Turn Agency to thank for that!