Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
Nov
14
Written by:
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A review of the album 'Kill The Messenger' by Home Star Runner
Review Snapshot: This debut album will certainly please Home Star Runner’s loyal army of fans, but whether they can use this release to broaden their fanbase and enjoy mainstream success, remains to be seen. .
The Cluas Verdict? 6 out of 10
Full Review:
‘Homestar runner’ are a four piece pop punk band, based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Following on from their well received ‘Close to Home’ EP comes their debut album, released on Blastspace records. They’ve built up a loyal fanbase, over the past couple of years, by playing Blastspace all ages gigs with legendarily energetic live performances.
The energy of those live performances certainly sounds as though it’s been harnessed into the album, along with the influence of Jimmy eat World and ‘Greenday’. In particular, Stephen Arkins lead vocals are reminiscent of Billie Joe Armstrong.
The first half of the album, although showcasing impressive musicianship, suffers from a lack of variety, with songs that quickly start to sound too similar. ‘Pulp Friction (Skin)’ offers a welcome lighter, poppier diversion with a sound not unlike Blink 182 and the witty lyric, ‘I think I’m drunk enough to fall in love, tonight it’s me versus every guy in the room’.
This is followed by the first single released from the album, ‘Photogenic’, which demonstrates the band’s pop sensibilities, whilst managing to maintain a punk edge. However, for me, the standout track on the album is ‘The boy who saved the world’, with its imaginative use of strings and vocal harmonies. If any of these tracks can offer the mainstream crossover and radioplay the band are presumably hoping for, then this could be the one. Overall, a well produced debut album from the band. Give it a listen, or even better, catch them live.
Máire T. Robinson
5 comment(s) so far...
Re: Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
theyre a class act, and defintely a mile better than emily and steer clear. whethere they remain the best blast band remains to be seen, with blue syndrome and maybe hotstop offering a serious challenge to the hsr boys.
By Andy on
Saturday, December 15, 2007
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Re: Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
they r sooooo amazin!!!!
and r rli nice gus too = )
.......<3
By Ashley on
Friday, February 29, 2008
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Re: Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
i love these guys! as well as there cool music and amazing lyrics, they are also the nicest people seriously! my favourite song by far, pulp friction then a tie between the arsonist, the boy who saved the world. honestly theyre great and i hope they make it big! plus stephen is really hot. got to love them, coolio
By orlagh on
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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Re: Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
i love them
they suck eggs at waterfront hall
By gobn on
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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Re: Home Star Runner, 'Kill the Messenger'
THEY'RE FROM DUNSHAUGHLIN!
By Kevin on
Thursday, October 09, 2008
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