Stellar Kart

by Jenny Bennett

Compared to Stellar Kart’s first two albums, 2005’s All Gas. No Brake and 2006’s We Can’t Stand Sitting Down, the band’s newest album Expect the Impossible has some fresh elements, though despite the catchy title that signals something brand new, also some predictability.

There is a little bit of depth to their harmonies at times, but by and large, the vocals are pretty typical for pop rock and are matched by a characteristically fast tempo. But these lyrics definitely grab you more than the other two albums did, without losing the quality that just makes you want to sing “wa-oh, wuh-oh-u-oh” right along with them.

For sing-along purposes, Innocent and The Right One are probably the best tracks, and for purposes of rocking out: Shine Like the Stars, which to me has the most original sound on the album. The classic yet sophisticated guitar solo in Sunshine’s bridge is impressive, and I also like way the vocals build into multiple voices singing in unison in the last verse – it sounds like a mega-church choir holding their service on the beach – maybe wearing Hawaiian shirts instead of choir robes.

Pray and Letters are the slowest tracks on the album, tender praise & worship songs that exposes Stellar Kart’s softer underbelly.

Eyes is reminiscent of Van Halen’s ‘80s hit Jump in the beginning, but then Stellar Kart’s vocals kick in which changes the whole mood. (Visions of big hair and tight pants are replaced with stringy hair, surfboards and swim trunks.) The song is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

I Give Up has enough rhythmic interest in the beginning to make me think it could be the stand-out track on the album, but then the chorus kicks in and it morphs back into a typical-sounding pop-rock song, but finishes strong again, showcasing awesome drum and guitar solos.

As a band geared towards Christian youth, Stellar Kart certainly does a good job of appealing to their audience, and Expect the Impossible seems to be their most advanced and refined offering to date.

stellarkart.com
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