Starseed

STARSEED - Love's War (Live at the Watershed, Wimbledon)

Starseed 2007 - The End Begins

Starseed are one of London and South Africa’s best-kept-secrets. This hard-rock quintet has been working steadily in various guises from their inception in Johannesburg, South Africa in the year 2000, to their decision to move to foggy London Town in October 2001, to their current position as a resident and active band in Richmond, Surrey in 2007 after five years abroad. Originally a four-piece band, the band has seen a few lineup shifts but has retained its founding members, brothers Andrew and Russell Spence.

Having played and loved music from an early age, the brothers and founding guitarist Shaun Evans and bassist Justin Hart put every care into the formation of this band. This was immediately apparent from the tightness, fluidity and superior songwriting of even early material.

The obvious focal point of the band is the powerful vocal talents of Russell. While the band drive through an often-grinding mixture of influences ranging from grunge’s moodiness, metal’s sheer power and punk’s relentless energy, Russell’s impassioned, soulful voice soars out above, delivering messages of heartfelt positivity. His wide range only makes his delivery that much more emotionally engaging.

Behind him, Andy flails with boundless energy and utter precision, his powerhouse grooves and jaw-dropping rolls and phrasing pushing the band to new heights with every show. His backing vocals match his brother’s intensity and provide the right kind of upliftment to take the band’s songs where they want to go.

Riff-meister Gerard Gill is one half of the dynamic guitar duo in Starseed. Having joined the band in January 2004, his intense and energetic stage persona match the catchy, sinuous riffs he has brought to the band. Bassist Dale Anderson joined in January 2005 and provides tasteful and creative bottom-heavy support for the churning riffs and jackhammering drums around him.

Peter Wicker was the last member on board, having become part of the ‘Seed in February 2007. It’s quite clear that the man has talent to spare in his nimble fingers, and is already settling into his new role comfortably. If recent fan feedback is anything to go by, the band have found the right man for the job. Starseed’s fanbase grows with every show, and they receive ever-more rapturous responses. Their gigs have been described and “mind-blowing” and “breathtaking,” while London journalist Sue Northam said that their music “sent shivers up my spine.”

If you go to a Starseed show, it’s easy to see why fans are having these responses. The band is honest and heartfelt about what they do, and their songwriting is captivating, crawling under your skin and impossible to shake out of your head. Their respect and appreciation for their support base is of utmost importance to them, and they give it right back from the stage.

January 2007 sees the release of the band’s newest 3-track “The End Begins EP”. Feature 3 blistering new tracks – the driving and politically charged “Love’s War”, energetic and vibrant “The End Begins” and the triumphant and moving “Alone”.

The ‘Seed seek to promote their new EP and tour the UK and Europe this summer. Look out for Starseed in 2007 as they continue spread their message of life across the globe.

For more info please visit:

www.planetstarseed.com