Shiner - "Starless"

Album review by Jake Roberts

The third full-length release from Kansas City's Shiner has finally attained the same level of greatness that their debut 'Splay' unleashed some 6 or 7 years ago. That is not to say their work in between should be overlooked, but rather that 'Starless' marks a sort of new beginning for this band.

The writing on this album is superb. The vocals and their accompanying harmonies are clean, crisp, and radiant. The production has apparently been polished and refined as if a fine jewel. The guitars are mixed a bit low at times, which suppresses the punch they rightfully deserve at points. However, this also leaves room for the vocals to breathe and the kick drum to appropriately cut through the mix. Jason Gerken (drums) adds a much more flowing feel to each song on this project, which draws out the overly progressive element of past Shiner recordings. The second guitar parts tastefully add textures in each tune. I hear a heavy influence from Failure's 'Fantastic Planet' creep into nearly every song (which is nice, considering that is one of my personal favorite rock album's of all time). Similarly, 'Starless' seemingly maintains elements of a "concept" album.

Start to finish, this one will suck you in and keep you listening.

-Jake Roberts

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