REVIEW : STARRY SKIES – SMALL WONDERS (2022)

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Starry Skies are a Glasgow based indie folk collective who release their fourth album `Small Wonders` this month which follows on from 2020`s `Do It With Love`. These days the band is made up of Warren McIntyre (lead vocals and guitar), Johnny Rooney (lead guitar,), Jenny Lunan (cello/vocals), Heather Phillips (violin/vocals), Sophie Pragnell (viola/vocals/percussion), Adam Scott (bass) and Mike Harrison (drums). This new release is intended to celebrate the small wonders that are all around us if we open our eyes to see them, the group have shared.

The record opens with `Smile Through The Dark` which is a gentle stripped back number with vocals and guitar. A kind of reflective offering which poses a positive message for dark times. `Spitfire Susie` bursts to life with some delightful harmonies and tells the story of a local hero and force of nature Miss Susie Ross, who fixed spitfires during the war and taught thousands of children in the years afterward.  She and Warren became friends and he wrote the song in her honour. A fairly fast paced band rock out.

`Highwater Eagle` is pretty dreamy and felt a little psychedelic at times. It was written from the standpoint of a young First Nation woman. I really loved the cello and violin swathes on this composition. We have a kind of A capella introduction to `Light In Your Soul` with clicked fingers and harmonies before an organ joins and it becomes more wistful with guitar chords and a shook tambourine. It appears to be a dedication to somebody who was there when needed. The addition of the organ throughout was a stroke of genius.

`Kind Hearted People` was pretty joyful and kind of strolls along with a wonderfully melodic air. We also enjoy a brief guitar solo in the latter section. There`s more of an edge to `Natural Way` with bass, tapped drum rim and occasional piano keys setting a platform and allowing the deep vocals to try and reassure us that things are going the way their meant to be.

`I Don’t Wanna Be That Kinda Guy` really races along, a real blistering rock number that starts out asserting that you`re not necessarily shaped by the place you grew up and then realising that a partner really brings out the worst in you. It has that (I`m Not Your) Steppin Stone)` kinda vibe. There`s a thoughtful ambience to `Iris In The Underground` which meanders along nicely with considered strings, guitar chords and complimenting backing vocal harmonies.

`I Was Lost` is another introspective submission with gently shared intricate guitar chords, an infrequent drum beat and strings with meditative lyrics. The record closes out with `On The Beach` which opens and continues throughout with piano keys and Warren`s contemplative vocals. Orchestrated strings towards the end adds a further poignancy. A number that has a stark beauty about it.

`Small Wonders` does offer up those little insights and events hat almost pass us by during our busy lives. We enjoy a fair amount of variety throughout this release and at times there`s a real vulnerability and honesty to the lyrics. This album is a grower and will need a few listens before it seeps into your soul. If you`re prepared to invest the time, I guarantee Starry Skies will reward you richly.

Rating 8.5/10

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