Search - Golden :: Apollo Stars

Incredible, Unexpected, and Unstoppable

J. Holmes | 12/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of Golden, nor their members' other bands, when a friend of mine saw them live in early 2003. He went to see the opening band, but the night was easily ruled by Golden. It was after hearing Apollo Stars album for the 2nd time, that I knew Golden would become one of my favorites. Questions followed: Who is Golden? Where the hell did they come from? What the heck is an Apollo Star? Why don't they have a website???Apollo Stars is a concept album. I can't tell you for sure what it's about, but it definitely centers on the Apollo (spacecraft/mission), Judy (she's a temptress), and pizza. It might be best to just let the lyrical content slide... While some people have described this CD as a party album, I would say it's more like and adventure album, with rocking choruses and solos, but also slower, prettier pieces. As a concept album it is somewhat confusing (ie. what exactly is the concept?), but as a rock album it's just incredible. If there is one thing you can say about Golden is that they are TIGHT. While they rely on a loose guitar style, the way they interweave all the parts is extremely well done. I might have thought that was just good production, but my friend assures me that Golden is even TIGHTER live. Special props should go to the drummer who really shows us what rock is about.As far as the sound goes, Apollo Stars is a very interesting mix of styles -- something like indie post-prog. I have no idea who these guys listen to, but you can definitely hear similarities at diffent times to Television, the Beatles, ZZ Top ("Other Side of the Sun"), Oingo Boingo, and Talking Heads, among others.Reaction to this album by people I know has been almost uniform. On the first listen they are confused, but intrigued. On the second listen they are hooked. That's one reason I think Apollo Stars is the "Best Album of 2002 That You Didn't Hear Until 2003". You should probably buy this album. Now!"

GOLDEN

M. Valosen | New Jersey, U.S.A. | 03/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great album. Killer funk sound with an edge. This has some great drumming on it done by former The Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore. It's a must if you're into the more creative realm of music that shuns genres and commercial appeal."