{"product_id":"starter-car-afterlight","title":"Starter Car - Afterlight","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Bandmates Wanted' posters may be old school, but when songwriter \u003cstrong\u003eOisean Burnett\u003c\/strong\u003e moved to London from Glasgow in 2024, the homemade approach was what worked. Fast forward to now and \u003cstrong\u003eStarter Car\u003c\/strong\u003e 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, \u003cem\u003eAfterlight\u003c\/em\u003e, a hook-filled collection reflecting on life's beauty and struggles. Recorded and produced by \u003cstrong\u003eJoe Futák\u003c\/strong\u003e (lilo, Piglet, Baggio), the album's sound grew organically through the core band and collaborations with fellow scenesters, including vocals from \u003cstrong\u003eChristie Gardner\u003c\/strong\u003e (lilo), fiddle from \u003cstrong\u003eSophia Bartlett\u003c\/strong\u003e (Tugboat Captain) and banjo from \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Rhea\u003c\/strong\u003e (Symbol Soup).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a warm and nostalgic sonic world, a natural progression from Burnett's childhood surrounded by \u003cstrong\u003eSparklehorse\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSufjan Stevens\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eWilco\u003c\/strong\u003e. Despite this glow of familial comfort, \u003cem\u003eAfterlight\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening track and lead single \u003cem\u003eThrowing Down\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eMJ Lenderman\u003c\/strong\u003e, with Burnett singing, \"I drink double when I'm not around you.\" This reflective approach continues on \u003cem\u003eAvert\u003c\/em\u003e, which addresses the feeling of not wanting to socialise, before the high-octane \u003cem\u003eSafety Net\u003c\/em\u003e captures \u003cstrong\u003eSparklehorse\u003c\/strong\u003e's driving spirit while referencing the late \u003cstrong\u003eMark Linkous\u003c\/strong\u003e. Death is revisited on \u003cem\u003eWatered Down\u003c\/em\u003e, a loving reflection on Burnett's grandfather following the passing of both grandparents in a short period. Burnett's father, \u003cstrong\u003eSeori\u003c\/strong\u003e, provides backing vocals, while interwoven fiddle and guitar create a beautifully melancholic backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album closes with \u003cem\u003eKicking\u003c\/em\u003e, a barnstorming rallying cry for moving forward in the face of life's obstacles. Cranked guitars nod to \u003cstrong\u003eTeenage Fanclub\u003c\/strong\u003e, while a rousing fiddle solo from \u003cstrong\u003eSophia Bartlett\u003c\/strong\u003e drives the song to its uplifting conclusion. \u003cem\u003eAfterlight\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tapete","offers":[{"title":"Black Vinyl LP","offer_id":58551046898009,"sku":"SDZ-48631","price":33.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":58551046930777,"sku":"SDZ-48632","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0588\/3455\/0945\/files\/starter.png?v=1783679711","url":"https:\/\/spindizzyrecords.com\/products\/starter-car-afterlight","provider":"Spindizzy Dublin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}