The latest album from Glasgow’s Starry Skies is a low-key delight that revels in small moments and micro-storytelling. The arrangements jump from fast-paced rockers to plaintive ballads, but Warren McIntyre’s endearing croon is never rushed and fits each moment wonderfully.
It makes sense that ‘Spitfite Susie’ would be the first single of the crowdfunded record, released back in March, as it’s by far the peppiest cut (only ‘I Don’t Wanna be That Guy’ comes close). A rousing rock-popper, it tells the story of a Spitfire mechanic turned teacher with driving guitars and propulsive drums. It’d be sure to get the people going in a live setting, but it doesn’t seem like the band’s most natural fit.
Songs that veer closer to pastoral folk, perhaps with a few string flourishes, find the group at their best. Opener, ‘Smile Through The Dark’ is a gorgeously understated example of this, letting McIntyre’s yearning vocals set the scene. ‘Light in Your Soul’ starts almost a capella with a few clicks and some backing vocals, calling to mind anything involving Paul Heaton. ‘I Was Lost’ is the folkiest of the bunch, but is a perfect fit here, bringing things down a notch before the piano ballad ‘On the Beach’ finishes the album. Perhaps a nod to Neil Young’s famously turbulent album (cloaked in fairly gentle folk-rock), it chronicles a seemingly trouble relationship and stands in contrast to the hopeful optimism of the rest of the record.
Elsewhere, ‘Kindhearted People’ splits the difference between power-pop and twiddly folk to good effect, and ‘Natural Way’s sneaky spaghetti-Western guitar gives an edge to what’s mostly a supremely polished affair. Overall, it’s an easy record to enjoy that doesn’t necessarily aim too high. It’s varied enough to stay interesting, but really excels when sticking to a tried and true formula. Another solid arrow in the quiver for the growing Last Night from Glasgow label.