Starter Car - Afterlight Starter Car

'Bandmates Wanted' posters may be old school, but when songwriter Oisean Burnett moved to London from Glasgow in 2024, the homemade approach was what worked. Fast forward to now and Starter Car have established themselves as darlings of the South London music scene with their unique brand of country-influenced indie. This year sees the release of their debut album, Afterlight, a hook-filled collection reflecting on life's beauty and struggles. Recorded and produced by Joe Futák (lilo, Piglet, Baggio), the album's sound grew organically through the core band and collaborations with fellow scenesters, including vocals from Christie Gardner (lilo), fiddle from Sophia Bartlett (Tugboat Captain) and banjo from Michael Rhea (Symbol Soup).

The result is a warm and nostalgic sonic world, a natural progression from Burnett's childhood surrounded by Sparklehorse, Sufjan Stevens and Wilco. Despite this glow of familial comfort, Afterlight doesn't shy away from dark themes of anxiety, death and drugs. "If you're experiencing a little discomfort while writing something, it's probably good," says Burnett. "Music has that ability to elevate the cringey into something meaningful and pretty." Throughout the album, songs born of introspection unfold with lush harmonies that offer hope, contrasting with moments where Burnett's vocals remain honest and exposed.

Opening track and lead single Throwing Down is a blunt examination of spiralling out when you find yourself alone for the weekend. The recklessness of going out drinking is anchored by steady drums and laid-back guitar lines reminiscent of MJ Lenderman, with Burnett singing, "I drink double when I'm not around you." This reflective approach continues on Avert, which addresses the feeling of not wanting to socialise, before the high-octane Safety Net captures Sparklehorse's driving spirit while referencing the late Mark Linkous. Death is revisited on Watered Down, a loving reflection on Burnett's grandfather following the passing of both grandparents in a short period. Burnett's father, Seori, provides backing vocals, while interwoven fiddle and guitar create a beautifully melancholic backdrop.

The album closes with Kicking, a barnstorming rallying cry for moving forward in the face of life's obstacles. Cranked guitars nod to Teenage Fanclub, while a rousing fiddle solo from Sophia Bartlett drives the song to its uplifting conclusion. Afterlight is like sticking your head out of a car window: exhilarating, breath-taking and balanced perfectly between anxiety and excitement, with the intoxicating feeling that something beautiful is just around the corner.