CD REVIEW: STAR OFF MACHINE – Wake Me Up

Label: Independent

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Some discs are good – there is no way to review them really other than to say they are good.  The latest offering from Star Off Machine is one of those discs.  From the opener “Wake Me Up” to the last notes of disc closer “Side Of Me,” this is a good disc.  The music moves around a bit and helps keep the band from being pigeon-holed into any one of the rock genre labels that have been created over the last decade or more.  Various songs, like title track “Wake Me Up,” “Make Me,” and “Scars” feature crunching guitars and a heavy bottom end that give these songs a heavier sound.  The vocals keep the track edgy and flowing.  “Sunday Driver” has the mellow vocals and verses, but make no mistake about the song as it moves between choruses, bridges, and the verses.

Tracks like “Left Behind,” “Lacerate,” and “Blend” have the same rock vibe, but not as heavy; the slow tempo of these different tracks doesn’t negate the power of the vocals and guitar.  The guitars are solid and add character to the track, while the songs keep the album diverse.  “Belong” and “Falling Down” demonstrate how well the band can combine the two styles of rock featured on this disc.  The songs weave between heavy and light without losing their focus.  “Power Of One” and the final track, “Side Of Me” are also shining examples of what is good about this band and disc: the power in their music without overpowering guitar riffs or screaming vocals.  The track have a pop sensibility blended with the hard rock guitars and almost melodic vocals provide the end of the disc with two of the more solid tracks.  These songs leave me hopeful for the bands next release to step it up a notch.

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Category: CD Reviews