Album review: SERENADE THE STARS – Astronomy

April 4th, 2021 by jason

Serenade the Stars are a Buckinghamshire based band consisting of vocalists Matthew Harman and Coral Smith, guitarist Damian Carruthers (who is also the band’s main songwriter), bassist James Wrigley and drummer James Burton. They formed back in 2017 and released their debut single ‘She’s The One’ shortly after to critical acclaim.

‘Heart Shaped Parachute’ has the arena pop/rock appeal of say Snow Patrol, with the emotive vocals of Matthew Harman and guitars of Damian Carruthers to the fore. On the title track Coral Smith adds her vocals and this one reminds the listener of Deacon Blue. They work their magic again on ‘TicTok 2020’, a short, sharp piece of enjoyable pop.

All the songs on here are radio friendly, including the heartstrings tug of ‘Footprints’. This one reminds me of country pop duo the Rising.

The production allows the songs to shine, with an uncluttered mix too and just the right emphasis on the guitars. A prime example being ‘Rewind’ which finishes of the album with another arena approved anthem and plenty of sonic ‘oomph’.

Not content with just releasing their debut album, Serenade the Stars have also contributed to the soundtrack of children’s space adventure book written by guitarist Damian Carruthers called ‘Cheese Miner On The Moon’

Serenade the Stars fit in that pop rock land inhabited by the likes of Mike & the Mechanics, Del Amitri and Deacon Blue. Quality tunes that’s a for sure and a band to keep an ear and eye out on for in the coming months. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)