Lets Get It Started
There's something about Roadstar that you can't help but like, whilst they are certainly drawing on established rock influences they have a certain honesty about their approach and manage to inject enough of their own style to set them apart. Originally called 'Huricane Party', which is how I first encountered them at last years Guilfest, they have already built up an impressive following since getting signed in 2004.
Whilst there's no getting away from the fact that this is a well tried and tested formula, Roadstar do have something extra about them that gives the band the edge over many of their contemporaries. The album starts with 'Ready To Go' and immediately lays bare the bands intentions, speedy riffs and rolling licks are all backed up with an honest and energetic appraoch. As the album progresses Roadstar throw in little extras here and there that really make a difference, it might come in the form of a little harmonica on 'Stone' or the ACDC strut of 'Get This'. It's on tracks like 'Out of the Blue' though that Roadstar really come into their own, excellent harmonies (reminiscent of Honeycrack) combine with great little guitar runs and suggest that Roadstar have what it takes to fill a far bigger stage than you'll find them currently gracing.
There are numerous bands that are content to rehash all that's gone before and whilst that can make for a half decent record it takes a band with a touch of vision to take that legacy and move it forward, whilst it's fair to say that Roadstar aren't the finished article just yet they are certainly on the right path. There are no obvious weaknesses to Roadstar, they blend good melodies with the ability to rock out when required and always manage to avoid the pretentious trap that so many fall into. The vocals of Richie Hevanz are perfect for their sound without ever being over the top and cover a range of styles from blues to metal with ease.
Even the obligatory rock ballad that is 'Misplaced Paradise' is done in such a way that it retains a good raw edge and doesn't degenerate into the sloppy mush that you may have come to expect from the average rock band. The influences jump out out at you all over the place here, there's a bit of Zeppelin and plenty of Guns and Roses and to their credit it wouldn't sound out of place on either of the aforementioned albums. When they turn back to classic balls out rock with 'All I Want' it just seems like a natural progression and for the album as a whole you have to give them points for the order of track selection. If you really had to make a criticism it would be that there isn't really a track that goes all out hell for leather and although 'Liar' and final track 'Keep It Alive' come close they never quite take off. That said they are both strong and merely cement Roadstar's reputation as one of the best rock bands around.
There are however two things that are very bad about this album; the first being the staged photo on the inside of the sleeve and one very obvious and very bad haircut! But hey, if that's all we've got to moan about then things are looking good.
It's very easy to become bored with wave after wave of classic style rock bands, frequently with good reason, but Roadstar have pretty much got it nailed with good songs, good vocals and good attitude. It's refreshing to hear a band that's not afraid to wear their colours on their sleeve and yet at the same time are able to bring their own contribution to the party. Still not convinced? Go see them live, quite simply they rock!