ALBUM REVIEW: The Bar Stool Preachers - Above the Static
Brighton's The Bar Stool Preachers are one the most exciting, enthralling bands you'll find. Pushing boundaries, crossing genres not letting anything stand in the way of making the most versatile, dynamic sound out there. From the moment the new album "Above the Static" kicks in you know you're about to witness something special, something unlike anything else you've ever heard. Indie, rock, punk, pop punk, 2 tone, blues and acoustic wonderment, nothing is off limits. It's an album incomparable to any other, a sound so fresh, so unapologetically adaptable that I think not even half way through 2023 I think I've found my album of the year.
Every song offers something different, each an anthem in their own right channeling themes of angst and hopefulness but also positivity and belief. It's a record that's not only musically magnificent, it's one that allows the listener to connect with the words on a deep, personal level. The Bar Stool Preachers have set the bar sky high with this album. One of music's finest hours. I'm buzzing, I often get excited by new music but the excitement I feel for this record is off the scale.
The only way to truly do "Above the Static" justice is to dissect it track by track.
'Call Me On the Way' home offers a shape shifting sound from melodic indie to vibrant pop punk moving into the bláze, nonchalance of punk. Lyrically it captivates with feelings of allowing others to mess up your head space while also proclaiming tumultuous times are easier to deal with together, strength in numbers. Not compromising yourself for anyone, the idea of fighting through and the desire to stay alive.
'Flatlined' beams in glorious frantic punk raucousness. Attitude booming with every chaotic chord. It mellows for a The Streets style spoken section, a moment of thoughtfulness with beautiful strings. It's a raw, energetic anthem for the lost, those feeling 'Flatlined' by life.
'All Turned Blue' is a perfect rock song with a ska undertone. Insanely catchy and bouncy with big riffs and melodic chords. Standout lyric is "when she said she loved you did she really love you or the idea of what you could do for her" a thought provoking idea that people will say anything for their own gains, not caring who's feelings they toy with in the process. It captures the idea of cause and effect that eventually you'll reap what you sow.
'Doorstep' is an in your face attitude heavy track that blasts with swagger. It's guaranteed to ignite the circle pit. It fires with the idea of temporary escapism from dark days.
'Never Gonna Happen' takes a political stance examining the way the country looks at foreigners, how society is unfair for so many. The idea that equality is a pipe dream.
'Laptop' is a realistic look at material needs. How the more we have the more we want. Moving from one fad to another. Living fast, speeding to death without really taking time to enjoy the little things in life. It's a stunning, raw, melodic dancefloor filler.
'Lighthouse Keeper' brings the pace down with captivating, gentle keys and beautiful, whimsical vocals. It shows a different, calmer side to the band and another dimension to singer TJ's voice. It mounts mid-song to heavier piano's and impassioned vocals. A pouring of pain at the fact the world is so caught up in itself the idea of kindness and patience seems such an alien concept.
'Love the Love’ is a lovely soft, bluesy, swinging start before introducing melodic pop punk vibes topped with chanting vocals. It's a song about enjoying the simple things, taking pleasure in being alive and embracing the fact it's okay to be you..
'Prince of Nothing' is a well rounded punk anthem. High speed, high energy and brazen attitude. The group vocals are glorious.
'Two Dog Night' melodic, frantic and swagger laden. Fuzzy riffs, soaring guitar solo and pretentious spoken section. It boasts a segment of heavier, more metal inspired sound.
'Don't Die Today' is a fun SKA/2-tone track. Addictive and up-tempo. It conveys positivity and the idea of seizing your chances. The notion that if you simply give up you'll never know what might have been. Fighting a righteous fight and finding redemption within. The freedom to be yourself without fear of needing to conform.
Ending on 'Going Forward' the tone lowers to a mesmerising acoustic intro before developing into a fuller sound then lulling again. The guitars are stunning, the vocals emotional, and harrowing. It's another track about finding joy in life, taking your chances and making the most of everything, always moving forward rather than letting the past consume you. It's a magnificent display of everything the band is about. Thoughtful song writing, majestic guitars, raw energy and bold, confident sounds. It's the perfect enthralling ending to what has been an adventure through the highs and lows of life.
I don't have enough words to explain the way 'Above the Static' captivated me. Bands like The Bar Stool Preachers don't come along often, a group of musicians so talented and innovative they can adapt their sound to be almost anything. Relevant and real you can feel their sincerity in every word. Every detail meticulously planned yet still retaining every morsel of raw integrity. The Bar Stool Preachers are something really special and exciting. "Above the Static" needs to be heard to be believed.
