Hailing from Southern California, this four-piece is giving new dimension to the concept of rock. The Northstar Session
The term “rock” entails something that’s hard. Hard is something that these guys aren’t. I wouldn’t throw them to the other side of the spectrum either, though, as a soft rock act (which always seemed like such a ridiculous label to me). If we needed to apply some form of geological mass to The Northstar Session, I think we’d have to go with clay.
Likened to Wilco and the Black Crowes, The Northstar Session pull from classic rock influences as well as some more recent acts. While experiencing this, their first full-length album, I heard some hints of Beck as well as some Oasis somewhere. If I had to give depth to a description of them, I’d say The Northstar Session is akin to an updated male Fiona Apple if she/he weren’t so preachy.
Originally the brainchild of Matthew Szlachetka, the act has grown to four, including Kane McGee on vocals and drums, Dave Basaraba on vocals and keyboards, and Paris Patt on vocals and bass. The foursome have developed a good following at their live sets, which have been flooded with western coasters from Seattle to San Diego.
In a world where most acts are so focused on having a hook and huge guitar leads, The Northstar Session have created a quality album that is supported by actual songwriting. New Prehistoric Times is not an album with one or two great singles, but a great album that has a lot of good songs on it. Tracks that I’ve enjoyed on this album that give a good picture of what to expect would be “Straight To You” and “Easier”.
Please track the Northstar Session down at one of their live sets, visit their myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/thenorthstarsession, or pick up New Prehistoric Times available now.