Starset – Degenerate (Single Review)

The new single from American cinematic rock band Starset spells the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era; one bigger and bolder than the band has ever before presented.

Formed in 2013 in Columbus, Ohio, Starset quickly became famed upon their debut album ‘Transmissions’ (2014) for their stunning space-rock compositions, anthemic choruses, unique vocal performances, and often heart-wrenchingly romantic lyrics courtesy of lead vocalist Dustin Bates. Since then, the band have only further succeeded in bringing their highly stylised brand of cinematic rock to masses of listeners all over the globe.

After dedicating several years to international tours after releasing their latest full-length effort, ‘Horizons’ in 2021, the band have finally returned with two new songs on their ‘Degenerate’ single. Both songs, ‘Degenerate’ and ‘Brave New World’, display a willingness for the band to revamp their already dynamic sound into something that sounds decidedly heavier and grittier; something that will most likely come as a welcome surprise to many long-time fans of the band.

The first track ‘Degenerate’ immediately produces feelings of uneasiness and eeriness upon its introduction featuring distorted voices and heavy guitar reverb. The earth-shattering riff that follows may be unexpected to many listeners just because of how heavy it is; ‘Degenerate’s obvious metal influences apparent from the very inception of the track. After the thunderous combination of pounding percussion and a gnarly guitar accompaniment, comes the familiar breathy tones of vocalist Dustin Bates. The song’s verse contains textbook Starset dreamy vocals and otherworldly lyrics (“Can you feel the way the worlds collide?”), and serves as a brief breather for listeners after the song’s spellbinding instrumental intro.

There is little respite though as the pre-chorus hits about as hard as a truck with an incredibly addictive vocal refrain (“Down, down, down, down, down, it’s a race to the bottom”). This is accompanied by whirling down-tuned guitars and a pronounced beat which intensifies the thrill not even one minute into the track for listeners. The chorus is as brash and memorable as fans would hope with Bates’ powerfully commanding vocals sounding as anthemic as ever over lines such as “So hit them with the whole tidal wave, we’re killing it the entire way”. The formidable drive and tempo of the guitar, bass, and drums also undoubtedly contribute to not only ‘Degenerate’s intrigue but a majority of Starset’s catalogue of compelling rock tracks.

A brief electronic interlude leads into the middle eight section with Bates’ graceful falsetto taking the spotlight while juxtaposed by heavy chugging guitars. The breakdown though, with Bates’ screeches and screams over the line “We’re turning back to animals” is one of the highlights of this break-neck rock track.

The single’s second track ‘Brave New World’ follows a similar structure to that of ‘Degenerate’ and yet serves equally to spotlight the band’s genius in songwriting. Showcasing Bates’ skilful clean singing that seasoned audiences know and love so well in addition to some brutal unclean vocals, ‘Brave New World’ explores new horizons for the band in terms of experimenting with a heavier sound. The track is kicked off by a deliciously glitchy guitar riff which transitions seamlessly into a synth-led verse. The song explores apocalyptic views of the current human condition and our penchant for destroying ourselves and our environment with our selfishness and narcissism. The dissonance between the guitars and synths fit these themes extraordinarily well, by creating an air of friction and a fight for dominance within the song’s instrumental.

The singer’s rage at the ignorance of mankind is apparent in his snarls of “You think you’re enemies, but you’re all the same” which is cleverly contrasted by the fully sung chorus; Bates’ smooth vocals and colourful harmonies displaying an edge of desperation and hope for societal change. These vocals reach a peak in the middle eight, where the vocalist’s sonorous “I’m not giving up that easy, I’m not giving up my mind” beautifully highlights his proficient use of his higher register to add depth and weight to the band’s often complex lyrical themes.

‘Brave New World’s energetic breakdown is a dynamic clash between hyperactive synths and distorted guitars; creating a vicious soundscape where the only option for fans is to headbang hard. The reinstatement of order and tempo in the final chorus allows listeners to return from the high of the ruthless breakdown that just occurred. There is no getting away from ‘Brave New World’s imposing sound, although its certain that many Starset fans wouldn’t want to anyway after listening.

Score/Excellent: It is safe to say that we did not predict Starset to return with such a brutal new sound, but it’s hard to believe anyone would be complaining. This likely means a new full album is on the horizon, so if you aren’t already, its time to start getting excited. It’s clear Starset has a couple of tricks up their sleeve.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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