Review by Dom Vigil
Starlight, the new album from 80’s infused synth-pop project Sunset Neon is hard to describe with just a few simple adjectives, but the first that come to mind are retro, glitchy, vibrant and timeless. Thirteen tracks in length, Starlight feels incredibly full, and that’s simply due to the fact that Sunset Neon utilizes every single song to introduce listeners to something new. No two songs sound alike, yet each track on Starlight sits perfectly alongside the next, stitched together with groovy bass, mind blowing production, electric vocals and an overall incredibly warm and fluorescent vibe.
Each song on Starlight has a massive soundscape, starting with the first full track, “Got You,” a retro-futuristic opener which is spearheaded by timeless guitar and very produced, electronic vocals. “Got You” simply sounds how neon looks – bright, catchy and attention-grabbing. This then flows easily into instrumental track, “Lazer Pink,” which features some glitchy guitar and bass work, further immersing you in this world that Sunset Neon has crafted. Fully instrumental, “Lazer Pink” does threaten to lose some of the energy established by “Got You” simply because it doesn’t feature any vocals, but the following Empire Of The Sun-esque track, “Never Dance Again” quickly picks up the pace once more.
With each coming song, it’s impossible to predict what Sunset Neon is going to do next, yet each decision feels perfect. The transition from the super modern “Never Dance Again” to the 80’s infused “Everything” really shouldn’t be smooth, but it is. Refusing to become stagnant, the album takes another turn a few songs later with the utterly dreamy “You Are The Sun” and “Starlight.” Both of these tracks will certainly transport you to another world, making it really easy to get lost in this album. Before you know it, you’re already nine or ten songs in, but you won’t be complaining when this gives you the chance to go back and re-listen to the album again.
Following the dreamy “Starlight” is “Tonight,” a dark, pounding synth driven track, while the following electric cover of Prince’s “Kiss” is the perfect addition to an already timeless release. After “Kiss,” come two more dreamy songs – “Metrocenter 84” and the stunning “After Hours” – which bring the album to a perfect close. Before you know it, Starlight is over, and it goes by so fast simply because it’s just easy to listen to. These songs are perfect for jamming on night drives, energizing you at the beginning of the day, or simply just to transport you back in time. From the more electric “Got You” or “Lazer Pink” to the dreamy “Starlight” or “After Hours,” or even the flawless cover of “Kiss,” Starlight is a hit from start to finish.
LISTEN TO: “Got You,” “You Are The Sun” or “After Hours”
STAY CONNECTED WITH SUNSET NEON: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetneonmusic/