Band: Starpainter
Album: Rattlesnake Dream
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Genre: Folk-Rock
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada folk-rock band Starpainter has unveiled their ten-song sophomore album, Rattlesnake Dream, via Neon Moon Records.
A self-produced and home-recorded record, Rattlesnake Dream was mixed by John Anderson (Andy Shauf, Aiden Knight) and mastered by iconic Canadian mastering engineer Phillip Shaw Bova (Angel Olson, Father John Misty, Feist, Bahamas).
“This album explores themes of family, death, distance, and love. It’s set in a sort of small-town prairie community–moving away, moving back, falling in and out of love. We recorded Rattlesnake Dream at my house–set the band up in the living room with a bunch of rented and borrowed mics and self-produced the tunes in our own little world. It was a long and sometimes difficult creative process but also rewarding in its own way to track a record together completely on our own.”
Starting off the release is the previously released song “Low-Hanging Fruit,” which serves as an ideal introduction to the band and their distinctive sound. With its captivating rhythm and poignant lyrics, the song vividly portrays individual struggles and the disparity in wealth and success. The metaphor of low-hanging fruit seems to symbolize unattainable aspirations, leaving them unable to seize anything truly significant or meaningful.
“Let It Pass” conveys a sense of longing and the desire for connection. The chorus, “I’m coming down there to see you, Gonna waste all your time, Gonna take you down to the river, Let it pass by” creates a vivid scene, suggesting the presence of the person they desire will bring a sense of contentment and ease. The imagery and poetic lyrics sweep the listener into the narrator’s emotional journey, enveloping them in an immersive atmosphere.
The title track, “Rattlesnake Dream” showcases a slower side of the band, with a mellow beat and laid-back vocals. The poetic language, ethereal descriptions, and emotional depth create a captivating atmosphere that draws the listener into the narrator’s experiences and reflections. During the chorus, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dream-like journey where challenges arise, but the narrator exhibits courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the album weaves together themes of longing, self-discovery, and the yearning for connection, while exploring the human experience with introspection and empathy. With its thoughtful lyrics, captivating vocals, and polished sound, the album has the power to deeply connect with a diverse audience of listeners.