Starfire is a band that sounds like it belongs on a classic rock station. Bands such as Foreigner and Journey provide the inspiration for Starfire. Eye Of The Storm is chock full of piano ballads and rockers that take the listener back to the days where big was all the rage, from shoulder pads to hair. Everything about this album screams 80s, from the sweeping keyboards to the vocals.
Listening to this album is bound to bring back memories for anyone who considers themselves a child of the 80s, but for those looking for something fresh and different, this album could fall flat. Listeners who long for the Reagan years , however, will take delight in this album.
“No One But You” has great synths and a strong beat. It is a great dance-pop love song that makes your feet want to move. It’s a shame that those positives occasionally drown out Dairenn Lombard’s vocals, because the lyrics are worth hearing.
Dairenn has a talent for writing love songs. Songs like “Waiting” and “Thinking About You” highlight the beauty of the lyrics, as well as Dairenn’s piano playing. Songs like this are the reason why you’ll remember Eye Of The Storm.
The high point of the album is the fun, super-dance pop tune “Genie.” This track has a very new-wave vibe. Think early ABC. It is definitely a song that begs you to get up and dance. The lyrics are playful and fun and, if you listen really closely, a little risqué! “I’d be your genie, in a bottle. Just rub me, and watch me come.” Conservative listeners may raise an eyebrow at that line, if they stop dancing long enough to pay attention. The album could have used a few more tracks as fun as this one. “Genie” is the most radio-friendly track on Eye Of The Storm, and it has the makings of a Top 40 hit.
The only time Starfire doesn’t quite ring true is when they try to rock out. Songs like “Open” lack the heart and soul that the ballads on Eye Of The Storm have. It lacks originality. If you’ve heard a song by Foreigner or Journey, this song won’t catch your attention at all.
The title track feels like it goes on forever. It’s an epic tune, clocking in at nearly nine minutes, and as an instrumental track it feels too long. The melody is a bit too repetitious for it to be really enjoyable. It’s certainly not a good album closer.
On a whole, the album is mostly consistent, focusing on the strengths of the power ballads that Dairenn handles beautifully. It is only when they deviate from that type of song that the music becomes a little lackluster.
Power ballads and dance pop tunes seem to be the recipe for success for Starfire. If they stick with that formula, they will definitely be a force to reckon with. Dairenn Lombard certainly has the songwriting ability to take this band far. Now, if only the band could move away from that 80s sound.
Review by Andrea Guy
