Search - theSTART :: Shakedown

The Start Of Something Wonderful

Matt Crazed | New York, NY | 01/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could summarize my review in 5 words: This is an amazing album. I think the whole album is great from start to finish (no pun intended). It's very dynamic and energetic. To me, Shakedown! has the best elements of Missing Persons, No Doubt, Flock Of Seagulls, and Berlin, combined with The Start's unique style. Aimee Echo's voice does sound a little bit like Gwen Stefani of No Doubt. But Aimee is anything but a Gwen clone. Her voice is a little more raspy, and a lot less whiny. What's brilliant about this band is that they're a retro-80's post-punk/new wave ..., but yet they don't seem too dated on the current music scene. I would say that for anyone who likes the single "Gorgeous", there's a 98% probability you'll like the rest of the album. Most of Shakedown! is upbeat and in the same vein, but it never gets stale. The only song remotely balladesque is the last track "Time", which is excellent like everything else on the album. Shakedown! will be hard to top, but hopefully it's The Start of something wonderful."

Best new wave since Spring Session M!!!!!!

D. Newton | 07/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether or not you will dig this disc really depends on one factor: Did you get into the 80's techno-pop/new wave scene (particularly Missing Persons)? No? Skip this. Yes? Welcome to great days gone by -- back again. The Start have succesfully captured that sound all over again with this album, and as you listen to it you'll be transported back. Great, slicing synthesizers coupled with that piercing new wave guitar form the backdrop -- the lead singer (I think her name is Amy Echo), though, is the showpiece -- with her sexy, Dale Bozzio/Gwen Stefani squeal leading you to electro pop utopia. I've heard post-80's albums capture bits and pieces of great 80's new wave, but this is the first since those years to really nail it. I know very little about this band, but I'm an instant fan. The album is completely catchy and memorable throughout. Don't worry, it's not a limp nostalgia trip -- The Start are able to bring back a classic sound with all the energy necessary for a total rebirth! Miss new wave? Buy this disc. It's new wave redux, and it's about time someone did it right!"

Something different, something Good

Prem Lee Barbosa | San Jose, Ca, USA | 03/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"theStart is fresh. There may be other bands with similar sounds, but I've yet to be exposed to them.

theStart mixes upbeat rhythms with edgy percussion and a strong dose of electronic sound to create something unusual and exciting.



I think most contemporary music is drab, cliche, and insincere. I can't say the same for theStart. They try to imbue their music with messages about pop culture, politics, and individuality, while still having fun.



I can't agree that people who like theStart would like Evanescence. I personally hate Evanescence and consider that to be some of that drab stuff I was mentioning above. theStart isn't about pseudo-depression, or not being accepted, they're really about having fun, and dancing.



As they say in their title song Shakedown, "rise up, dance to a different beat." theStart is quite a different beat, and I dance to them everytime.



(Isn't this a corny review? :-P)"