Album Review: Starters - Reasons To Stay

One of the best new bands of 2010 end the year off with the release of their first "proper" release. Since being first mentioned on this site earlier this year, Starters have been snatched up by the brilliant up and coming City of Gold Records, been featured on Man Overboard's latest 'Defend Pop-Punk' mixtape and are set to tour with Such Gold in the new year.

'Reasons To Stay' works well as both an introduction to the band, as well as a continuation of the bands ridiculously good demo. In addition the band showcase four brand new songs, rather then tidying up older ones. Opener 'Like A Cancer Grows' picks up where said demo left off, as the band continue the same urgency that made them so favourable first time round. Whilst the duel vocal work of Ian Fox and Ciarán Parnell leaves a stronger impression, although despite their Irish origins, they have opted for a (slight) Americanised tone. However this comes along with the style Starters play; US-influenced pop-punk.

'Light Sparks' eases in with sustain guitar lines before blasting into a complete upbeat pop-punk section, with a chorus that sees the bands influences such as Transit, Man Overboard and Saves The Day come through. Throughout the four-piece are tight and keep up the consistency, with the title track, 'Reasons To Stay' quickly following up; sharp guitars slash in and out between Fox and Parnell's vocals. Whilst at the same time, they keep a somewhat loose style but its one that isn't to scrappy and is definitely acceptable.

'Nowhere Else I'd Go' closes the EP in a lively fashion; its fast tempo leads to the band taking on a more punk stance, with a hint of rock due to their occasional guitar riff that gives the band a hint of variation.

For those who are already fans of the band, 'Reasons To Stay' does not disappoint and it is a clear indication of the direction Starters are heading, and it keeps up the momentum their demo had. Whilst the DIY pop-punk genre has been making a strong resurgence over the past 12 months, its unfortunately inevitable that like most genres, it will become over-crowded with intimater's and saturated. I hope for Starters this doesn't affect them, as they clearly have the songs and the consistency to stand out from the crowd and make a name for themselves. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2011.

4.5/5

'Reasons To Stay' by Starters will be available soon on vinyl through City of Gold Records and on CD through Hurry Up! Records.

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Sean Reid