Search - Stars of Track and Field :: A Time For Lions

It's ok but..

B. JACKSON | Dallas,TX USA | 11/11/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"it's ok but honestly there are a lot better bands out there the track would recomend is racing lights but that's it.This CD doesn't grow on you and it gets boring after a while so unless you can get it for free I would say don't buy it."

Indie Rock's Next Generation

Jeff Loudon | Nashville, TN | 11/09/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Stars of Track and Field have a bit of a unique back story. When their original bassist, Moxley Stratton, left the band, the remaining members opted to move forward without a replacement. Many critics gave Stars of Track and Field's first mainstream release, Centuries Before Love and War, positive reviews for this very reason. While I agree Stratton's departure forced the band in a new direction, replacing a bass guitar with bass synthesizer effects is not a crowning achievement in my eyes. However, that is not to say that Stars of Track and Field are not deserving of their critical acclaim.



A Time for Lions, Stars of Track and Field's second full length release with Wind-Up Records, is less electronic than their first album which seems to suggest they have found the sound they are most comfortable with. While no official bassist is listed as a member of the band, they have definitely brought the instrument back which does nothing but add to the grandiose of their arena ready singles. The album opens with "Racing Lights," a track that teases the listener with four seconds of electronic effects fading in before a powerful downbeat announcing the arrival of a more refined and established band destined for greatness.



The true test of the Indie Rock genre is often in the band's ability to succeed with both powerful rock anthems and heartfelt ballads on the same record. With "End of All Time," a song reminiscent of Augustana's "Sweet and Low," Stars of Track and Field have done just that by the end of track two. There are still, however, weak points on the album further along. Tracks like "The Stranger" and "Safety in Numbers" are lacking in instrumentation and feel drastically drawn out. Luckily for Stars of Track and Field, these are forgettable points on an otherwise excellent release. They may lose a few of their earliest fans with an evolution towards more radio ready hits, but A Time for Lions will earn Stars of Track and Field the recognition they deserve.



Similar Artists: Snow Patrol, Paper Route



Track Suggestion: The Aviator"