Diandra Reviews It All

Star Parks’ debut LP, Don’t Dwell, sounds like something that came out of a hot, 70’s summer. It has that mystical, folkish vibe that entranced “Wood-stockers” with the idea that a good rock/pop song could free the soul. With light-hearted string compositions that encapsulate a sense of looseness and pining for open spaces, Star Parks makes one of the stronger debuts and albums of 2016.

With a proclaimed admiration for Leonard Cohen and an opening song/gospel tune called “Hymn For The Hopeless,” you immediately sense that this album is for the outcasts. Moreover, it is for the outcast that revels in his or her weirdness but questions his or her alienation, as well. Andy Bianculli has a ‘Bob Dylanesque’ voice that drives the lax, chill frequency of songs like, “Theoretical Girls” and “Loose Ends.” These songs, in particular, encompass their ability to just make you feel like you are lying in nature and wondering. . .that’s it just wondering. The whole album comes through like a series of fluid thoughts one would think when they are feeling more enlightened and ready to just relax underneath a clear, blue sky. This is not to say that they do not have fun, ‘danceable’ jams like, “Hugs” or darker songs like, “Don’t Dwell.” Yet, even at their most cheery or somber, they give a dreamy folk vibe and a cool pop sound that makes you want to sway in the moment.

Theoretical Girls

I cannot emphasize enough the Leonard Cohen/ Bob Dylan 1970’s resonance this band has. When lead singer Bianculli combines his voice with fellow dynamic guitarist, Maurice Ramos, and bassist, Ben Burdick, they become vocal mirrors for the Beatles. They have the unique vibratos that when combined transport you to wherever their song desires. Songs like, “The High Hopes of Good Fortune” and “Nobody Comes Here (Nobody Leaves)” are perfect examples of their Beatlesque, rock sound. Nathaniel Klugman on keys and Keith Lough on drums create the base that assures every harmony and word sung is elevated celestially. In addition, Star Parks’ lyrics aim for the majestic: the feeling of going through life’s joys and woes from rose-tinted glasses. The fantastical beats and words makes you feel like you have been dropped into a worm-hole of color, which, when many describe Woodstock, seems like a relevant description for what a music goal should be.

Favorite Tracks–

“Hymn For The Hopeless”– Call me bitter, but I love a sad choral arrangement. The song is beautifully composed, and the soft somberness the band emotes is almost visionary like, a sad angel shedding a tear but wanting a smile.

“Hugs” – this song makes me want to grab a soda at the local surf-club. It has smooth hooks and “beachy” rhythms that promote its title. I enjoy the change of musical tones throughout it. Like most of their songs, Star Parks has an ability to change the tone of a song through surprising, creative arrangements. In each track, you never know when joy will change to sadness and vice versa.

“Nobody Comes Here (Nobody Leaves)” – I love this song. It echoes a Cirque Du Soleil mysticism with a darker undertone – i.e. the title. Bianculli’s voice is casually hypnotic as he sings the lyrics with an almost tired grace like, a man worn from harsher experiences but still strong enough to sing about it.

“Souvenirs” – an energizing song that makes you feel instant joy and admiration for this band’s talent. Lead Singer Andy Bianculli has been compared to the likes of Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. By this track, you have confirmed the reasons for this comparison because his experimental sounds/ music arrangements produce the same reviving electricity these men did for their era.

Overall, Star Parks has accomplished making classic 60’s/70’s music seem fresh and new. Their album is like a Millennial version of Woodstock. Yes, I compared them to the most epic music festival, but it is well-deserved because with this debut they would have fit in. More importantly, if this is their debut, they have a great future ahead.

Check out Star Parks music here and their website here. Their debut LP, Don’t Dwell, drops on April 29. Enjoy!