SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CASPIAN COBERLY – STARLIGHT

CASPIAN COBERLY
STARLIGHT
DID IT MY WAY

Caspian Coberly is an interesting artist. He really doesn’t fit into any current genres or playlists, yet he has a very contemporary and fresh sound. Perhaps this is due to him looking far backwards to a number of influences from the 1970s. This does not mean that the music is nostalgic or retro, far from it, but that those artists, including John Lennon, T. Rex, and Thin Lizzy to name three of his influences, made timeless music and set the standard for rock albums. They also did not follow trends of the time. The same can be said for Coberly. Starlight is a great album featuring fantastic songs, strong melodies and introspective lyrics.

This is a guitar-based rock album. In many respects the music and lyrics would not have been out of place in the 1970s, but Coberly throws in little curve balls, soul music, and other layered sounds that he comes up with his own distinct sound and style. Although he played a great deal of the instruments himself, he did have some help with the album from drummer Mark Giuliana (David Bowie, St. Vincent), bassist Stu Brooks (Dominic Fike, Perry Farrell), and Money Mark (Beastie Boys), Coberly has formed a tight band who all contribute to the overall sound. Sure, it is Coberly’s album, but like the great Elton John albums of the 1970s, the band contributes a great deal to complete the sound.

Coberly is a tasteful guitarist. He sometimes channels the likes of George Harrison or Phil Lynott, but again he morphs the sounds to make them fit his own style. A song like “Wonder” has a very restrained and melodic slide solo to add to the overall pop rock sound. Then in “Don’t Walk Away” he demonstrates his acoustic playing ability then later he plays a very subdued solo in “The Long Time”.

Coberly has done a great job producing the album and he wrote all of the songs. Everything comes together and adds up to a brilliant listening experience. It is a great album from beginning to end. It is a rock album, and it stands out. It is also an album that is made to be played live. One can imagine Coberly playing the album at a festival or an intimate club. Either way it would work. In the meantime, Starlight is the perfect album to leave on your turntable and enjoy over and over again. With each spin you may discover something new.

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