2020 was a tumultuous time for us all but in the spring of that year in Austin, Texas a new band was born. Alex Capistran, Nick Cornetti, Misti Hamrick and Derek Strahan came together to form DAIISTAR. Fans of the neo-psychedelic era of the 80s and 90s they set about creating their own unique take on it. Now, it’s three years later and they present to us their debut album Good Time.
Capistran gives us an insight into what this album means to him and his bandmates.
“To us, these songs were a glimmer of light. Starting a band at the peak of the pandemic to some might seem ill-timed, but to us it was a way to escape for a moment. There was something to look forward to and we kept our heads in the future. These songs guided us through some dark times and hopefully they can do the same for you.”
The album opens with ‘Star Starter’ and it’s a blast of energy and noise, with a catchy guitar riff and a driving drum beat. It’s like a time portal to 90’s Manchester has opened and we have been catapulted into the Hacienda at the height of baggy. As an intro to the band’s sound and style its absolutely perfect.
Into the next track we go and it’s the curiously titled ‘LMN BB LMN’. Whilst it’s a bit more laid-back, it still has a lot of groove and melody. The core riff is so catchy and the drums are on point, swaying between a propulsive rhythm and that ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ thing. DAIISTAR are taking no prisoners.
That Beatles vibe continues into ‘Repeater’. It’s got a sixties psychedelic aesthetic running throughout but amplified to the max for a bang up to date feel. Just check out that warped guitar solo out in the closing section. As a counter to the descending note riff its tremendous.
Up next is the single from earlier this year. ‘Tracemaker’ is a ten-foot tall, psych rock monster. They balance it out nicely with the verses being quite light and airy before that thick and sludgy guitar riff hooks us back in for more.
We take the pace down a notch for ‘Purified’ next. This is psych pop personified. As always there’s a sublime guitar riff that punctuates the track but its Capistran’s vocals that are the star. It literally soars over this song, lifting it to the next level. I sense real hit single potential here.
Next up it’s ‘Say It To Me’. It’s an anthemic number, with a soaring chorus that has you nodding along. But wait, this is a song of two halves. The fast-driving song suddenly drops top half time and a piano driven coda kicks in. Man, this band like to keep you on your toes. I really love it when a band surprises you and this track achieves that with ease.
With ‘Parallel’ we head in a more experimental and atmospheric direction. Opening with a synth arpeggio that creates a hypnotic effect. The song is dark and moody, but also has a sense of hope and optimism which I really love. Again, just wait until you hear the almighty guitar solo.
The next track is a fast-paced and energetic song, with a synth hook that will stick in your head. ‘Speed Jesus’ Is a more mid-tempo song that has a really relaxed vocal delivery that kinda reminds me of The Primitives in places. That closing section is pretty powerful as everything gets overdriven to the max.
‘Heathens Gate’ touches on an Ultra Vivid Scene influence but never lingers on it for long. The layered guitars create a sense of impetus and the need to move on. They are also cranked up to 11 in places which adds that extra feeling of menace. Again, this screams single to me.
The album closes on the spaced-out sound of ‘Velvet Reality’ It’s a slow and dreamy song, with a synth pad that creates a lush and warm sound. It’s like it’s just stepped out a 50’s diner jukebox and into the far future. It’s soothing and relaxing sure, but also has a touch of sadness and nostalgia. Just beautiful.
DAIISTAR have sculpted a really well-rounded debut. Where some bands debuts can feel disjointed as they throw all the songs they’ve written at it, this feels like a thematically cohesive offering. Every song has its place in the grand story of the album. My main takeaway though, is the quality of the song writing on show. Every song on Good Time is absolutely solid. The old adage of all killer no filler definitely applies here.
Good Time is out now on Fuzz Club Records and you can also grab a copy from DAIISTAR’s Bandcamp page.
You can follow DAISTAR on social media here…
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