Start

Initiation

BY Sam SutherlandPublished Aug 1, 2004

Playing deranged power pop with a punk edge to it, the Start offer up a style that could easily come across as friendly radio rock were it not for the extra kick provided by the powerful vocals of Aimee Echo. Though some tracks can sound like a slightly punked up version of Evanescence, most radiate the same kind of energy found in truly interesting bands such as Milemarker and the Faint. With a clearly retro influenced sound, the band’s mix of power pop and electro punk is at its best on songs like album opener "Like Days,” whose mix of hooky melodies and dark lyricism creates a tense listening experience. As much Depeche Mode as Distillers, the Start fuse their divergent influences into a compelling style that is, for the most part, all their own.
(Nitro)

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