Loose Music

****

The Hanging Stars have always been an outlet for tidy, pop-oriented, harmony-laden singles and lushly produced West Coast country-styled numbers flirting with psychedelia. I’ve seen the band live several times and have always been more than a little disappointed with their cacophonous live sound that all too often detracts from their superb vocal harmonies. Presenting a heavy, bass-driven approach, their sensitive recorded songs taken to the stage, charge out of the speakers with the intensity of the blast from a flamethrower as they blast the audience into submission. This, their sixth album, shows the quartet exploring a broad range of sounds, but it most significantly ensures they’re not a band to sleep on. With their tight harmonies and willingness to experiment with tone and beat, the Hanging Stars transcend the limitations of the power trip they all too often offer on stage. The album wears its influences on its sleeve—the Byrds, the Feelies, Big Star—and makes more than a passing nod to the band’s own English background. Indeed, it is that rare thing, a meld of styles and genres that actually works together. The band also demonstrate versatility and growth in their songwriting as they tackle some deeper subjects here. Well-rooted in archival origins, their music is siphoned through intricate arrangements and seamless four-part harmonies, while coming off downright narcotic, as if you’re trapped in a dream directed by David Lynch.

In a very real way, opener All Your Yesterdays ought to speak to anyone in search of a gentle embrace. It doesn’t get much lovelier than this. The music exudes a quiet, rustic glow ... their previous singles showed the guys’ talent for crafting cozy arrangements with soft guitar parts, gentle harmonies, and subtle lyrical and melodic turns. The upbeat and agreeable The Glasshouse allows the band to engage in more positive intents. With crunchy twelve-string and irresistible harmonies, this is more light-hearted, but not deludedly so, and it succeeds in never sounding prescriptive. There’s more than a hint of the Kinks in the vocals and twangy, bluesy guitar at work on (Keep On) Making Me Wait, and that’s just fine by me.

The band has mastered the art of creating a bigger sound on the especially tender moments of Time Is Nothing by mood-setting and impactful vocal choices and guitar melodies. With lyricism as beautiful as ever, this song is a solid addition to the band’s ever-growing discography. On the other hand, the band offers opportunity for revelry as well, with Show Me The Way, maintaining a deliberate pace, but an emphatic intent. Likewise, Run, Run, Run is joyful and ebullient, a statement of self that resonates both amiably and assuredly. Big Red Car is particularly swoony and captures the guys at their yearning and wistful best, announcing their arrival, even if they’ve been here all along. Their unique sound will stay with you long after the music has stopped. A stellar collection that speaks volumes, suggesting that they’ve not only come quite a way, but that they also possess a clear confidence that confirms that they’re capable of finding success with everything they offer from this point on.

https://www.thehangingstars.com

June 2026