Under Starling – Icarus Review

Words by Kate O'Loughlin 

Edited by Aoife Neville 

Waterford based alternative rock band, Under Starling prove that they’re one of Ireland’s most promising and exciting new and upcoming acts of 2021 with the release of their heartfelt, passionate and intense new single ‘Icarus’. This is the band’s first release from their upcoming self-titled album which is currently in the works and will be released at a later date. (It’s certainly an album that we are pretty hyped for if this single is anything to go by!).

The band originate from Waterford’s beautiful Dungarvan in the south of Ireland and consists of brothers Danny (vocals) and Tommy Dunford (Drums), Colin Drummey (Bass) and Alex Pollock (Guitars). Trust us when we say these guys sound as good as they look!

‘Icarus’ is a highly impressive and strong first single from the bands upcoming self-titled album and really sets the bar for high expectations from them, we’re sure they’ll have no problem delivering it! They prove that they are on the verge of reaching new heights and achieving new levels of success with this release with their energetic rock sound and potent lyrics flowing throughout the track. Their capability to create a heartfelt melody and to put it against an alternative background is out of this world. 

The track is immense and is impossible to dislike, this track knows how good it sounds! It is set to be a summer anthem with its loud and catchy chorus, brooding verses, exciting drum fills and Danny’s impressive vocals taking centre stage. Alex Pollock also shows off some really delicate and stunning backing vocals too which creates a beautiful element, it’s breath taking. This song is already a hit in our summer playlists and we already can’t wait to play it loud and proud in the car while on a road trip! The band really know how to create the most perfect chemistry that allows them to create big solid rock tunes. There is also an ethereal feel to the track towards the end as twinkling guitars take over leading to the creation of a more magical and raw sound while the tight and rhythmic sound raises allowing the drums to pound through harshly , which really gives the listener an out of body experience, it is truly amazing.. 

This is definitely a single that feels like a mantra that you wouldn’t mind repeating.

Danny’s capability to tell a story throughout his lyrics is bizzare, his song- writing skills are impeccable. As the title of the single suggests, Icarus is a modern take on the famous Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus ‘The Fall Of Icarus’. Speaking about the track, Danny describes the song as “The Narrative of the song goes back and forth between 2 characters, an optimist wading through life’s oncoming choices and a pessimist attempting to clip their wings, however in the end the optimist would rather crash and burn trying than to never try at all”.

The meaning that the band want to give to their fans after they listen to this track is to simply try, which we think is a really lovely and significant meaning, especially in these times we are currently living in. No matter how hard life gets or what obstacles come in our way, we should never give up on our dreams and it’s true what they say, you won’t know something unless you try it! There is no harm in trying!

“When it all comes down to fear, I won’t be the one to break apart”

‘”And If I could clip your wings, nothing matters now you’re gone, you’ve flown”

“And I won’t stop, ‘cause you’re everything to me and what I’m not won’t shake me to my feet”

The guys are also no strange face to the live music scene either, having played Main Stage at Bare in the Woods in 2018, supporting Fangclub and performing sell out shows in venues such as The Loft & Rosin Dubh in Galway, I think it’s fair to say that these guys certainly know how to cook up a live show and once live music is back again, an Under Starling live show is definitely on top of our bucket list! These guys are bound to be stars!

Under Starling really prove that they know how to produce a song that is heartfelt but also has a strong rock feel to it, they deliver tunes with a cinematic feel. ‘Icarus’ is an absolutely flawless track from start to finish filed with so much emotional, captivating and powerful lyrics. It is truly a superb release from these guys and certainly a breath of fresh air to the Irish music scene. They are a unique, stand out band which makes them very special with a very exciting future ahead of them! If you’re a fan of Biffy Clyro, Kings Of Leon and The 1975 these guys are right up your street, they are incredible and are most certainly going places so keep all eyes on these guys. We already can’t wait to be in the mosh pit at their live show!

This song ticks all the boxes for us not just musically but visually too as their music video, which the band directed and created themselves during lockdown is truly remarkable and really showcases the bands chemistry and makes us want to get to their live show ASAP, we already can’t wait to hear what’s next from these guys! The music video compliments the song beautifully and it is truly fantastic and brilliantly created, be sure to check it out on YouTube!

You can stream ‘Icarus’ through the following links:

Spotify - Here

Apple Music - Here

YouTube - Here

MusicBox PR Team