Recorded at Belle And Sebastian’s rehearsal rooms, Be Kind—the sophomore album from Glasgow’s Starry Skies—follows the band’s debut Ask The Animals and countless not-for-profit events that they have organized to give all kinds of bands a stage to play on.
Reflecting their preoccupation with helping others, the new album, as the title would suggest, reflects on the need for more kindness in the world, and will uplift the soul with its refreshing, positive spirit that runs throughout.
Combining a smorgasbord of genres, Be Kind is a treat for the ears as well as the mood. With elements of blues, folk, Americana, and indie rock, each track oozes its own unique energy. From the twinkling, jangly guitars and sweeping sense of romanticism of album opener and title track, to the driving, blues-ridden riffs of “Sugar Cane,” and the angelic, shimmering emotion of “I’ll Be There,” the album as a whole percolates with a sunny, heartwarming zest.
Layering delicate melodies with catchy, uptempo beats, there’s shades of all sorts to be found; from the gritty passion of the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff, to the infectious indie anthems of Teenage Fanclub, and even a hint of Bob Dylan. And tying it all together, the distinctive, raw emotion of front-man Warren McIntyre’s vocals, delivering thought-provoking and inspired lyrics.
Of the album and its theme McIntyre explains, “There are not enough people being kind to each other… It’s really clichéd but it’s nice to be nice. I decided I wanted to be more straightforward lyrically and send a simple message about spending the rest of my time on this planet being as kind as I can as much as I can.”
So sit back, relax and treat yourself to the enlivening spirit of Starry Skies, before going out in the world and spreading the message to “be kind.”
Be Kind is in stores 12th October via Fox Star Records.
