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Stardust: Highway To Heartbreak
Stardust: Highway To Heartbreak
AOR Melodic Hard Rock
4.5/5.0
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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 07.10.2020 | Released: 09.10.2020
Hailing from Hungary, Stardust was formed by Adam Stewart (lead vocals) and Tim Keeley (drums) in 2015 with a desire to create AOR melodic rock. Shortly after forming, the band dropped their first EP, getting favorable support from their native country and the larger European theater. This brought them to the attention of Italy's Frontiers Music who quickly signed Stardust for the release of their debut full-length album. For Highway To Heartbreak, Stardust received help in songwriting and production from Mark Spiro (Bad English, House of Lords, Giant, et al) and Swedish guitarist Tommy Denander.
Stardust
For their musical efforts, Stardust is pushing all the right AOR buttons. These include the usual suspects like strong song melody and harmony in the guitar parts and vocal arrangements, with Adam Stewart a significant and strong melodic vocalist. Additionally, the songs are wrapped up in solid rock rhythm and groove, notable keyboards for embellishment and accent and, of course, crafty and catchy refrains. All that's left to add is the significant and soaring lead solos from guitarist Facey (just a single moniker, like Bono). Stardust is Eighties AOR deja vu all over again.
Speaking to the songs, you'll hear the AOR groove rise with Bullet To My Heart, the bonus track Blue Jeans Eyes (from the EP), and The River Is Rollin' which has more than a little Westcoast smooth. Perhaps my favorite song, 2nd Hand love pulls out all the stops: some nice acoustic guitar and synths to start, followed by a strong guitar line and smooth groove from the rhythm section before the vocal harmony joins in. And the refrain is killer, as is the guitar solo. Alternatively, Stardust can get a bit heavier with the large riff rockers Hey Mother and Shout It out. Simply said, with Highway To Heartbreak Stardust proves they have the musical acumen and chops to deliver classic AOR melodic hard rock in the best sense of the genre. Easily recommended.
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The Bottom Line
Simply said, with Highway To Heartbreak Stardust proves they have the musical acumen and chops to deliver classic AOR melodic hard rock in the best sense of the genre. Easily recommended.
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