SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CAITLIN STARR – SPEED SAVES

CAITLIN STARR
SPEED SAVES
G-FOIL RECORDS

Freshly signed to G-Foil records, NYC-based post-grunge artist Caitlin Starr has released her second EP Speed Saves, a succinct and emotionally direct collection of tracks that revolve around her maintaining emotional composure and identity in the midst of chaotic times. Though her lyricism still has room to mature, this record does a solid job at illustrating Starr’s capabilities as a vocalist and song crafter, as well as an ability to channel her 90s influences into something appropriately modern.

The opening track “Will u b My Girlfriend” kicks things off in fiery fashion. Over bustling drums and thick, speedy guitar arpeggios, Starr sings about desperately wanting to be with another girl despite her own lack of confidence to ask directly. The emotional angst of the song’s lyrics is perfectly accentuated by Starr’s exasperated vocals, resulting in a song that is as cathartic as it is catchy and infectious. An equally satisfying song is the track “Cage,” in which fans of 90s rock acts will find familiarity in the chaos of its chorus and Starr’s rebellious lyrics. This song also showcases what is perhaps the best and most dynamic vocal performance on the entire project.

While the aforementioned songs are a blast to listen to, there are a couple weaker moments in the tracklist. The melancholic guitar chords and forlorn vocals on “Pass Me By” are a nice emotional touch, but the lyrics are a bit nondescript and do not have quite the same punch as some of the stronger moments on the EP. Conversely, the lyrics on “Piece of Clay” provide some compelling imagery, but the instrumental arrangements are easily the least memorable out of the entire project, and Starr’s vocals come across as more sleepy than evocative.

Thankfully, the record ends on a high note with “The Dark,” a song which more than lives up to its title, due to its dreary guitar chords, breathy vocals, and despondent songwriting. Here, the lighter instrumentation and more reserved vocal performance still manage to culminate in an effectively emotional song, especially when considering the vulnerable and self-deprecating lyrics.

Overall, Speed Saves is a solid EP that shows a lot of promise for the young NYC native. Though her sound is not yet outstandingly original or well-defined, it packs enough of both an emotional and sonic punch to be worth checking out. Some of her songs are kneecapped by a certain level of lyrical juvenility, but it is very easy to admire the sheer transparency and authenticity in her writing. As long as she refines her craft and makes bolder decisions, Caitlin Starr should only be going up from here.

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