|
Michael Staertow
|
| By
Tate Bengtson
A multitalented musician
with a fine grasp of writing infectious hooks,
Michael Staertow imbues Oxygen with a pleasing sense of songwriting
sensibilities and classy musicianship that is quite well done. Vocally,
many of the melodies reminded me of the singer from Galactic Cowboys in
that they tend to be understated and even a tad whiney (ie. "River
of
Sin"), but in an effective and memorable way that is in line with
80s
melodic rock/AOR. Where Staertow differs from a band like Galactic
Cowboys, is in his ability to seize those very solid, unabashedly catchy
songwriting hooks, and ensure that they are delivered with a rich
smoothness that is quite impressive, particularly on the slower-paced
"Promise." This track is followed with one of the heavier
numbers, the
stomping "Hydrostatic," which features a thick guitar riff and
an
pulsating bass guitar groove that presented a very intriguing (and
successful) contrast to Staertow's gentler melodies. I could definitely
see Oxygen appealing to fans of Galactic Cowboys, King's X, and such AOR
stalwarts as Hugo and Bob Catley.
|
More from the Online Metal Journal |
|
|
|
|