The English alt-rock band Starsailor has released two albums to widespread hype and critical acclaim, but it's also had a tricky time staying in the spotlight. Shortly after the August release of its third album, On the Outside, the band performed live from WXPN and World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Sept. 8, alongside singer-songwriter Peter Walker.
Named for Tim Buckley's 1970 album of the same name, Starsailor released Love Is Here in 2001, ultimately hitting #2 on the U.K. charts. By 2003, Starsailor released Silence Is Easy, which went platinum in Europe but was overshadowed by an assortment of Coldplay- and Radiohead-inspired acts with a similar flair for drama. The new On the Outside finds Starsailor sounding refreshed after a period out of the limelight, while retaining the depth of emotion that attracted it so much attention in the first place.
Peter Walker's charming sophomore album, Young Gravity, nicely showcases the singer's gravelly vocals, enigmatic lyrics and catchy melodies. Collaboration with producers Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart) and Jim Fairchild (Grandaddy) left Young Gravity with a rootsy, relaxed feel. Walker's recent addition of a live band — guitarist/vocalist Tim Hutton and drummer Chris Reynolds — has added fire to his live shows, too.
Copyright 2006 XPN
