[CD, 2008]

Slow, but not painfully so, Crushed Stars’ reverb-heavy vocal patterns and liquid-like guitar/organ melodies make for the perfect late night bedroom-pop listen.  In Gossamer Days, the group’s second, they come off strikingly similar to London’s slow-core darlings, Arco.  Especially in the opening track, “Spies”.  Yet Crushed Stars’ ability to continually build their songs throughout Gossamer Days sets them apart.

The album continues to build from there; the percussion in “Life Until Now” is subtle in nature—played on brushes rather than sticks—but has a rapid sense of urgency that gives the song and album alike a completely new life.  Also included in the instrumentation is the occasional trumpet and a steady organ and slide guitar.

Where some music evokes a sense of urgency with driving instrumentation seemingly pushing tunes for greater speed, that of Crushed Stars evokes a sense of calm.  There are moments where one simply wants to kick off their shoes, grab a margarita and pick up a good hard-bound book.  In “Amherst Incident” the vocals split between male and female.  The new dynamic again turns a corner on Gossamer Days.  

“Snow Day” is a rarity for excluding lyrics and vocals altogether, which makes its follow up in “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” much sweeter.  The song seemingly stands out after the melodic, piano-driven instrumental.  Added to an initial minimalism within the instrumentation, “Places” captures the listener immediately in its web of beauty.

And that’s not necessarily a rarity on Gossamer Days.  The album, as a whole, radiates in purity; basks in its calm nature.  Relaxing and rejuvenating, Gossamer Days will slip into your soul with ease, breaking down that which is bad and replacing it with something a little bit better.

EXPERIENCE

Crushed Stars: Spies [mp3]

BAND LINKS

Crushed Stars: Homepage

Crushed Stars: MySpace

TRACK LIST