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Release date [13.02.26]
The label have teamed new kid on the block, vocalist Austen Starr, with Joel (Revolution Saints/ Whitesnake) Hoekstra, and together they’ve written a bunch of edgy rock songs that allow both talents to shine.
The garagey ‘Remain Unseen’, brimming over with energy, and the immediate pop rush of ‘I Am The Enemy’ ensured that these two songs would be the first two teaser trailers.
‘Medusa’ is an important track. It was written by Starr in her teens, and proved to be her passport into the Frontiers’ Music organisation.
Joel Hoekstra’s hooky riff turns it into something more than just a good rock song.
There’s a vulnerability to her voice that has a certain appeal, most especially displayed on the nakedly beautiful ballad, ‘If I Could Read Your Mind’.
It’s a vulnerability with a steely spine, mind you. Witness the hi-speed symphonic rock ambitions of ‘Effigy’ where she nails some delinquent, would be suitor to the wall.
The bouncy ‘Running Out Of Time’ and ‘All Alone’ have one eye on Avril Lavigne’s punkpoptastic energy and the other on the label’s commercial imperative. With Hoekstra’s guidance, she’s clearly navigating the expectations with skill and confidence.
Credit to the band that the label put together. Hoekstra of course, plus Chris Collier on bass, Steve Ferlazzo on keyboards, and not least Chloe Lowery (TSO), whose backing vocals alternated between heft and sweetness as the songs saw fit.
For Starr, the only way is up. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
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Power Plays w/c 26 January 2026
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Hell Or High Water (Journeyman Records)
TY FREEMAN One Way Love (indie)
GREY DAZE Monster You Adore (indie)
HOKKA Death By Cupids Arrow (Nuclear Blast Records)
PURPLE DOTS Stared At The Sun (Kycker)
SAINT AGNES Song For Mia (Spinefarm)
STREETLIGHT Shake That Feeling (Frontiers)
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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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