Upon first listen this band fails to impress. Same with the second, but by then you begin to notice a smattering of decent hooks and song-writing on par with most alternative-rock radio fare. Some songs crank with power pop distortion, others kick back with mellow strumming, while others combine both extremes. There is even a funked out tune with some '70's lead guitar. For better or worse, harmonicas occasionally add their shrill sound to the mix. Vocals are of the current, common pop/alternative kind (Semisonic, Matthew Sweet, Plankeye, etc.), with a tiny bit of emo-passion and a big dose of classic rock style.
Aaron Sprinkle's (Poor Old Lu, Rose Blossom Punch) production is competent, but the indie limitations are still distinct. Unfortunately, his own unique alternative style isn't transferred to Red Shoed Star in the production process either. A little more song consistency would also be appreciated; one moment the band is churning out a great modern rock tune like "Water," with its deep-lung chorus, and the next they're singing a dated, CCM-ish ballad like "You Lifted Me." The band has obviously not decided on their direction, which may throw off some people.
Most of the lyrics are in the first person and deal with life struggles, relationships, relying on God, and so on. Nothing too profound, but sure to find listeners who relate. The last song, "Fish, Frog, & a Mountain," has some completely nonsensical lines. A note in the sleeve says, "There is absolutely nothing spiritual or religious about this song...so get over it, move on with your life and quit hounding us, it's just a dumb song!" It shows a band fed up with legalistic, Christian music fans who try to enforce their religious rules of acceptability onto bands. Good call.
For an indie band, Red Shoed Star is off to a promising start. They are going to need more than red shoes, however, to stand out from the thousands of other stars shining in the sky.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohThe main selling point for this band before I heard their album was that it was produced by Aaron Sprinkle, formerly of Poor Old Lu. Naturally, this raised my expectations, but the finished album is well below my standards. Red Shoed Star's music is best described as a mix of modern rock and alternative, to my ears sounding at times like Blues Traveler and at others like Dear Ephesus. The opening…
