Máire Robinson posted on November 14, 2007 11:02
A review of the album 'Kill The Messenger' by Home Star Runner
Review Snapshot: This debut album will certainly please Home Star Runner’s loyal army of fans, but whether they can use this release to broaden their fanbase and enjoy mainstream success, remains to be seen. .
The Cluas Verdict? 6 out of 10
Full Review:
‘Homestar runner’ are a four piece pop punk band, based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Following on from their well received ‘Close to Home’ EP comes their debut album, released on Blastspace records. They’ve built up a loyal fanbase, over the past couple of years, by playing Blastspace all ages gigs with legendarily energetic live performances.
The energy of those live performances certainly sounds as though it’s been harnessed into the album, along with the influence of Jimmy eat World and ‘Greenday’. In particular, Stephen Arkins lead vocals are reminiscent of Billie Joe Armstrong.
The first half of the album, although showcasing impressive musicianship, suffers from a lack of variety, with songs that quickly start to sound too similar. ‘Pulp Friction (Skin)’ offers a welcome lighter, poppier diversion with a sound not unlike Blink 182 and the witty lyric, ‘I think I’m drunk enough to fall in love, tonight it’s me versus every guy in the room’.
This is followed by the first single released from the album, ‘Photogenic’, which demonstrates the band’s pop sensibilities, whilst managing to maintain a punk edge. However, for me, the standout track on the album is ‘The boy who saved the world’, with its imaginative use of strings and vocal harmonies. If any of these tracks can offer the mainstream crossover and radioplay the band are presumably hoping for, then this could be the one. Overall, a well produced debut album from the band. Give it a listen, or even better, catch them live.
Máire T. Robinson
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