I See Stars are back with The Wheel, their first new album in almost 10 years.
The intro is Spin It, an almost ASMR-like sound of someone spinning a wheel and bleeps, which kicks into the synth-heavy opening of title track The Wheel. It has a good bass line throughout it but the album really kicks into with Eliminator. The sultry vocals are paired well with more angsty, shout sequences and it has a stop-start synth sound throughout it. It’s a well-worked track with a good breakdown.
The more melodic FLOAT is a lovely song. It has calming vocals that take the lead throughout with understated synths covering the verses, and quieter drum fills during the chorus. It’s very relatable lyrically with lines like “I’m not really having fun no more, I don’t wanna run no more.” It gets deep with the “I’ve watched the world I’ve watched it change while I sleep. I get the feeling it’s better off without me.” That’s a line I know hit me deep.
Another that hit me like a train was Flood Light. It literally describes my thoughts.
Afterdark is a beautiful song. That’s really all I have to say. I’d recommend just sitting with it on, eyes closed and appreciating the beauty.
There are stand-out parts in each track, particularly the ‘I’ve got nowhere left to run’ scream and its underlaying synths over strong drum fills in D4MAGE DONE.
Throughout the album, Devin Oliver’s vocals are just stunning, from the soft melodies to the angsty screams, he effortlessly switches between them.
Andrew Oliver’s synth elements really make the album, adding an extra layer to Brent Allen’s guitars and Jeff Valentine’s funky basslines.
If you liked I See Stars before, you’ll definitely love The Wheel. It’s a tight record with plenty of great standout moments.
