Potent and nostalgic, Thrillkiller’s single, “Dark Star,” rewinds one back to the “Thunder Cat” and Richard Simmons times with its vitalizing synthesizers, crisp harmonies, and spine-tingling percussion.
Although vocals immerse around the 1:14 mark, enjoying the launch to the first verse is highly encouraged. Thrillkiller introduces their masterpiece through a robust guitar riff and nifty groove.
The funky rhythm in the pre-chorus is one of the alluring aspects of “Dark Star,” where Thrillkiller sings, “I’m gonna jam / I’ve got that superstition / Jam / Tonight I’ll let it go.” However, the song amplifies when we’re hit with puissant harmonies and lead vocalist Rob Bradley’s astonishing gritty vocals when Thrillkiller sings, “’cause I’ll never say never / Like a thief in the night / Dark star / Hold me close no matter where you are / To the limit / I will live it.”
While the guitar solo was expected (what’s a song without a solo), I wasn’t expecting it to be soul-crushing and Van Halen-esque. In fact, parts of it are reminiscent of the solo in Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” played by Eddie Van Halen himself.
“Dark Star” shut down my expectations for the song to be a sleazy ’80s-inspired track. Thrillkiller created a time machine to one of the best periods in history, musically speaking.
Much praise for the band’s flawless “Dirty Diana” cover, the best one I’ve ever heard.
Assuredly, Thrillkiller is a proficient band, and their music is evidence. Please check out “Dark Star” and more of Thrillkiller’s work.
Written by Taylor Berry
