From Sumerian Records' webpage, "STARBENDERS are a rock-n-roll dream come true for every hard luck dreamer occupying this third stone from the sun. Singer/songwriter Kimi Shelter is the love child Johnny Thunders and Joan Jett should have had. Aaron Lecesne brings ripping bass lines, vivid musicality, fashionista chic, and lightning rod stage energy. Kriss Tokaji is the literal embodiment of a Guitar Adonis whose fretboard mastery easily places him at the pinnacle of today's young guns, a legend in the making. Then we have Emily Moon, the siren behind the drums, channeling her spiritual father (and namesake), Keith Moon, in a gorgeous tornado of sound and fury. This band has toured the world, destroying the entire house every time. They've issued twenty-six releases in eight years - singles, EPs, and LPs, including their 2020 full-length, "Love Potions," for Sumerian Records. Another album's worth of new material is currently awaiting release. With a work ethic as relentless as their fabulous vision, there is much more magic yet to come."

"The Beast is First," and it definitely takes me back to the 1980's, when this type of music was all over air waves. The production is a bit muted, which muddies some of the riffs, but the chorus is full of harmonies. "Nothing Ever Changes" has a Punk like energy to it, and it reminds me of some of the Grunge bands of the early 90's. JANE'S ADDICTION in particular. "We've sold our souls to Rock N Roll," she says. Indeed. "Cold Silver" is much more solemn and melancholy, and Kimi sings in lower range at times, almost whispered, as if she doesn't have enough energy to muster anything else. "I'm so fucking lonely, I don't know how to feel," she states. "Hello Goodbye" is a bit more introspective, and the melodies are great. Much of their emotional impact comes in the big chorus. "Tokyo" has a strong pulse of synth notes running through its veins, and it's an energetic rocker akin to some of the big bands of the 80's. She speaks to the city always being open, and I get more of a THE CURE vibe here at times.

"Summon my Heart" moves faster, also with a strong pulse of synths energy. She talks as if one can use darker power to summon her, "under black skies," "say it three times," and "when your eyes roll back in your head." "To be Alright" features some organ notes in the beginning, followed by a smooth, melancholy guitar passage. The riffs are firm, but its tones of the past and ones of regret that come through strongest. "June," hello, she says. This song has a nice balance between solemn sounds and hopeful ones, and the music turns one way or another at the end of each few bars. "21^st Century" is the final song, and it brings a lot of energy back to the album, especially the meaty bass notes. This was a solid album, containing a diverse set of songs with different themes while still maintaining the high level of energy that comes with the genre. It's a retrospective and sentimental sound that keys on the pulse of the radio during that time.