The Starlings “Songbook” (Independent 2006)

“New band’s refreshing take on classic roots americana”

Although they’re a brand new band, all the members of the Starlings have been around for a while, and it shows in the craft and skill they bring to their debut album. Reminiscent of a lighter, more rural Union Station, they major on the playing of Mick Chegwidden (mandolin, banjo,dobro) and the singing and writing of Joy Mills. Mills has a clear, light voice that can swing as sweetly as a nut, but also take on heavier, more intense songs like “Alaskan Fire”. She has a way with arresting images, whether it’s “the darkness and the tiny little lights/where all the holy ghosts are born” (Alaskan Fire) or a more personal line like “Well, both my hands start trembling when I lose my grace” (Roll On Down). Mainly though she brings a fresh and unaided take to classic subjects, and in a world overpopulated with the world-weary, been there, done that, wrote the song school that’s a blessed relief.

Meanwhile Chegwidden drives the music along with furious but unflashy licks, particularly on mandolin, while everyone else rolls along with the effortless skill born of long experience, but as with Mills writing, sounding fresh, airy and like they’re having fun. There are melodies galore, choruses you can sing and a great vibe throughout. The one slightly jarring note is sounded by their cover of “Long Black Veil”, which is not a song that plays to their strengths, and they never really get into the guts or emotion of it. But that’s the only blemish on what is an excellent album.

Date review added:  Friday, April 28, 2006
Reviewer:  Jeremy Searle
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  The Starlings website