Starsailor have become somewhat lost in the under-rated musical obscurity since 2001’s breakout album, Love Is Here, with their style being imitated more commercially by the likes of Razorlight. But unlike Johnny Borrell, this band is not all about frontman James Walsh.
The record begins with the upbeat, piano-driven ‘Tell Me It’s Not Over’, which as you might expect, is about a painful breakup. The rhythm is catchy yet slightly dreamy, almost slipping into Keane territory as Walsh muses gently over extra-marital relations. It’s a strong start and sets the pace for what’s to come.
'The Thames' is a particular stand-out track, though not a style indicator as it features a more classically 60s-influenced guitar riff which laces the track together nicely. It has that bluesy feel about it as it jumps between the aforementioned riff and a more traditional Britpop sound, reminiscent of the likes of Ocean Colour Scene.
The album has a wonderfully classic British rock and roll theme flowing through it as pacier numbers are interchanged effortlessly with slower ones such as ‘The Boy In Waiting’. Although not particularly memorable, it serves as a well-timed interlude.
Title-track 'All The Plans' is another classically-romantically penned effort with timely rhythms and thoughtful lyrics. It is refreshing in an age of shock-pop to find a band so comfortable in its own simplicity. This one also features a more blues-style with a welcome mouth organ solo as we fade out.
'Neon Sky' is another tune that's comfortable in its solemnity. Walsh’s voice crackles as it speaks of loss, the piano softly accompanying the pain. Undoubtedly influenced by the masters of comedown, The Verve, not least by the title, but also the slow wails towards the end of the track that Richard Ashcroft is so famous for. In many ways this could well have been what ‘Northern Soul’ would have sounded like, had the band not been surfing the hallucinogenic Milky Way.
'Hurts Too Much' is surprisingly upbeat considering the title and the vibe of this album. The piano line is again top notch and complements the track wonderfully as it speaks of the pitfalls of the modern world.
The only criticism you could throw at this album would be that it doesn’t add anything remotely new to the band’s repertoire, though if Elbow can do it, so can Starsailor. What we have here is a maturely-constructed emotional sound wave of heart-rending tales.
Rating: 4/5