Look Out For Oldstar

At the beginning of Oldstar’s new single “Whiskey,” we hear a lone distorted guitar, maybe on a faraway stage in Florida where the plywood is buckling and a few matted rugs are scattered about. Soon, each fader is sequentially pushed up on the mixing console, leading to what sounds like a dozen people elbow-to-elbow on that fictional stage. It allows for an immersive listening experience, because, much like a good story, you keep wondering what might come next. More vocals? Pedal steel? Who knows…

Along with layering up the track, the Panama City Beach natives (now recording and performing in New York, I believe) love to let their instruments drop out to maximize the impact of a melodic turn or emotional nod. It’s a cool touch in the context of slouchy, high-gain country rock. In a way, the song is the auditory equivalent of a cigarette stuck in a guitar headstock (suitable for the earlier stage image).

By the end of “Whiskey,” the song transforms into an anthemic crusher, with gripping background vocals, big lead guitar moments, and splashy drums. It’s definitely worth five minutes of your time.