
DEAD STAR TALK return with their eagerly awaited sophomore album, Solid State Chemicals, a captivating blend of hardcore Britpop nostalgia intertwined with mesmerising shoegaze anthems.
It’s remarkable to realise that the era of Britpop dawned nearly three decades ago. Yep, a staggering 30 years have passed since the heyday of bands like Oasis, The Verve, and Suede. While the members of these iconic groups may now be in their 50s, their indelible impact on both music and society remains unforgettable.
The 90s gifted us with an abundance of swagger and indie rock anthems that seemed boundless. However, over the years, the spirit and ethos of that era have somewhat diminished in rock music, making it increasingly rare to encounter new bands that effortlessly balances raw energy with pop-infused sentimentality. Enter DEAD STAR TALK and their latest offering, Solid State Chemicals.
Hailing from the vibrant music scenes of Hamburg and Copenhagen, DEAD STAR TALK, led by the dynamic duo of Christian Buhl and Günes Kocak on vocals and guitars, has enlisted the expertise of Grammy-winning Metallica producer Flemming Rasmussen for mastering duties, ensuring a truly exceptional sonic experience.
The album kicks off with the electrifying Twenty, a brief yet enthralling synth-driven track that thrusts listeners into a whirlwind of sound reminiscent of a speeding freight train. From there, distorted guitars build to a crescendo, seamlessly blending with impassioned vocals delivered with precision and fervor.
Tracks like Hurricane and the eponymous Solid State Chemicals showcase the band’s evolution, infusing their signature sound with a contemporary edge while maintaining the essence of their Britpop roots. Generations later unleashes a torrent of manic riffs, expertly navigating the interplay between pulsating drums and swaggering guitar lines.

As the album unfolds, Gentler Dream then reveals a softer, more introspective side of DEAD STAR TALK, enveloping listeners in a dreamy haze of shoegaze-inspired melodies. Conversely, Forever Was Before Pt. 2 delivers a visceral onslaught of stadium-sized anthemic loveliness, leaving a lasting impression with its relentless intensity.
The journey culminates with White Lies, Black Skies, a poignant reflection veiled in melodic serenity before erupting into a chaotic crescendo, underscoring the band’s penchant for crafting thought-provoking compositions that linger in the mind long after the music fades.
In addition to their musical prowess, DEAD STAR TALK is at the forefront of innovation, embracing the emerging realm of NFTs to revolutionise the way music is recorded, produced, and distributed. For those of you not yet initiated, NFT stands for Non-fungible token and is the next stage in digital collectibles.
Think of it as being able to own a numbered copy of the original White Album pressing, for example, but digitally. Artists can release music and images as NFTs on the blockchain making them as verifiable as original physical copies which can also be numbered and traded. Add music tracks and artwork to the mix and you have a whole new music format for fans both old and new.
Teaming up with Polvinyl Records, the band offers fans a unique opportunity to own exclusive NFTs of their music, combining tracks and artwork in a format that transcends traditional boundaries.
Furthermore, the vinyl edition of Solid State Chemicals exudes warmth and authenticity. The guitars especially feel tailored to the platform, their fuzziness really coming out to the forefront when needed. This is once again testament to a working relationship between artists and all moving cogs of the record industry to make sure what you release can be the best it can be. With this in mind, Polvinyl are renowned for really getting to know the artists they work with on production and bring out the best the sound can be on the format.
In conclusion, Solid State Chemicals by DEAD STAR TALK seamlessly bridges the gap between past and present, capturing the essence of 90s Britpop while infusing it with innovative flair. With its infectious energy and compelling melodies, the album stands as a testament to the band’s artistry and dedication. Finally, someone has taken up the mantle.
Score: 4.5/5
‘Solid State Chemicals’ is released on 31st May 2024. Check out the band page over at Polvinyl for more details, as well as information on both vinyl and NFT editions of DEAD STAR TALK’s music.
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