Thursday, April 23, 2009
Whoever said catchy, straightforward pop rock couldn’t be artfully done clearly has not heard the Northstar Session. While the majority of the band’s tunes fluctuate between heartfelt balladry and upbeat grooves, the pieces that make up the whole are far from typical Top 40 fare. The Hollywood-based quartet’s debut, New Prehistoric Times, flirts with elements of Cold War Kids-style Southern rock and piano-driven poignancy à la Something Corporate, all the while maintaining a style and sound that’s both distinct and assertive. Bouncy organ parts make “Morris” an obvious standout, while the bluesy vocals of “Easier” and “Hanging On” point straight to the youngsters’ classic rock upbringing. As long as these four continue to respect their musical elders like this, we’re certain the fans will follow. The Northstar Session will appear live on Musical Café TV this Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m. on Channel 17.