Gringo Star - Count Yer Lucky Stars
Posted by Guest Writer on Tue, 17 Apr 2012.
Having not previously heard of Gringo Star, the interesting name certainly intrigued me! The CD cover boasts interesting art work which certainly draws your attention, and hopefully will attract more people to their music. 'Count yer lucky stars' is the follow up album to their debut 'All Y'all'.
Just hearing the first 10 seconds of 'Shadow' from 'Count yer lucky stars' this alternative rock band from Atlanta, America are sounding interesting and different. The snappy guitar intro makes you wonder what is coming next as it could literally go anywhere. And it does. It may have people thinking it will go into some indie sounding song that's seemingly ubiquitous at the moment. However, that couldn't be more wrong. Gringo star seem to have mixed up different genres and sounds, and it works so well! It's hard to describe just exactly what their sound is. The singer resembles the Gallagher's almost droning sound that Oasis lived off. But then the backing track itself has a resemblance to Syd Barrett and maybe throw in a bit of The Kinks and The Beatles and you're about there. But it just works!
As you progress through the album, each song sounds different. The whole album is very 1960's British music sounding with a bit of a twist to each track. 'Esmarelda' slows the pace down slightly from the rest of the album. Its songs like this where there stripped back from the more quirky sound and you listen more to the lyrics. You get the feel that they are singing about someone they possibly know and you see these guys really have a talent for song writing.
'Make You Mine' is my favourite off the album. The catchy verse and even more catchy lyrics in the chorus make this song one of their best. With the classic 'ahhs' in the background, this very 60s sounding song could have been an old unheard Beatles song that they have made their own, it's that good!
I think Gringo star will go down a hit at places like Glastonbury and Hop Farm Festival. These songs could easily draw the crowds in to the bigger stages and get everyone dancing along. If you love the 60s and something a bit different then this album is for you. With a headline tour coming up, I would suggest you go and check these guys out as I think the quirky sound will transpire to their live shows.
You can find out more about Gringo Star here: http://www.facebook.com/gringostarmusic
Review by Grace Deakin