SLEEPYHEAD: Starduster (Homestead)

Starduster is the second full-length for NYC's Sleepyhead. The lyrical feel of Starduster is actually much more high school than elementary school. Lots of self-consciousness, confusion, problems with family and other social relationships, etc. Everything I hated about high school. If only I'd been in Sleepyhead, I would've been reaching for those stars, getting out my frustrations by making melodic pop and punk capable of putting a smile on the face of even the most jaded rocker. And Sleepyhead does keep a lot of pop with the punk. The guitar sound here is often clean and pretty, almost bluesy in that classic pop way. Starduster isn't my album of the month or anything - even at a mere 35 minutes, it loses me here and there. But there's definitely enjoyable stuff. Just listen to "CB" and think about those days when you thought that "disco sucked, but punk was cool," and you'll get something out of it. (Tim Ross)