Starfire The Way I Am

2013, Starfire is the brainchild of Dairenn Lombard who hails from Los Angeles and has a vision for big production records in the style of the classic rock bands from yesteryear. Styx is probably a good starting point for similarity with the band's sound. THE WAY I AM is the band's second album, following 2010's EYE OF THE STORM. The album is well played with Lombard on vocals and guitar and fronting a handpicked band, all with a decent pedigree. The songs verge from ballads with strong almost classical piano overtones to raunchier numbers in the mid-tempo range. The guitars shine throughout and there are a lot of memorable solos - notably on ,,Cat Walk", with a nice interplay with the piano. Stabbing string synths with an analogue keyboard solo introduces ,,Did You Know?" which is the most memorable track on the album with a very curious but catchy vocal. The Styx influence continues throughout with ,,The Angel", which could easily sit on the PIECES OF EIGHT album with its galloping guitar riff and solo.