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All the potential in the world
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This review first appeared in Turbula in November 2005.
Power pop with a thick, wall-of-sound mix, San Diego's The Northstar Session is built around the songwriting and singing of Matt Szlachetka. Their new self-issued EP, "Little Lies," displays a band with a tight sound, a few good songs and all the potential in the world.
"Fool for Now" is the best of the lot – and is good enough to land them a national recording contract. It's full of radio-friendly hooks, and has a melodic lead that will nestle into your head.
Szlachetka's voice has a slightly nasal quality to it, giving the band's overall sound a touch of an alternative edge to it. His guitar playing is jangly and rhythmic more than guitar-hero; the rest of the band sets down a deep-pile rhythm that serves his songs well.
While the EP is a bit spotty, with the two best songs up at the top, "Little Lies" shows a band with a distinct musical vision and the talent to fulfill it. A few more good songs, and The Northstar Session could be San Diego's next big musical export.