Speed of the Stars - Speed of the Stars

by Steve Kinrade

published: 19 / 1 / 2024

Steve Kinrade is impressed by a reissue the reissue of the eponymous 2016 debut album from Speed Of The Stars, the project of The Church's Steve Kilbey and Cactus World News' Frank Kearns.

Article

Residing at the bottom of Santa’s sock of tired delights. if you are lucky, really lucky, you will have uncovered a real gem. And in this case, it is the reissue of the eponymous 2016 debut album from Speed Of The Stars, the project of Steve Kilbey (The Church) and Frank Kearns (Cactus World News). What is interesting is that the gestation of this musical adventure was some 25 years, but as the old adage goes, the best things are worth waiting for. Let us cut to the chase. This is a very, very good album, which will continually keep rewarding on successive listenings. It is atmospheric and almost transcendental in nature, the production is nuanced and expansive. The music breathes. Some moments reminded me of Pink Floyd’s 'Dark Side Of The Moon', whilst others the collaboration between David Sylvian and Robert Fripp - especially the soaring guitars and “Frippertronics”. Steve Kilbey’s vocals are restrained but confident and assured - he even rates his performance amongst his career’s best. And his performances on tracks such as 'When You Think Of Falling' and 'Autumn Daze' evoke a Gilmourian grandeur. 'Speed of the Stars' is a collection of 13 songs that will comfort and nourish you at every listen. If you believe in the artistic integrity that the medium of music can potentially deliver, then this album will be a reference point. In a parallel universe 'Speed of the Stars' would be a massive commercial proposition, handsomely financially remunerated for their efforts. But in this one, I suspect they will be for connoisseurs only, happy to revisit this album on a regularity that is emotionally and spiritually enriching. Seek out this album. You will not be disappointed.