SONG REVIEW: Right Here Right Now - “Starz”

Right Here Right Now’s newest single, “Starz” is a must listen to song of 2023

by Jesse Smith

This… This right here, is it people! There is a lost sound in Post Hardcore that no one talks about, but we all miss. This melodic sound that teeters the line between it’s border brother genres emo and metalcore was the voice of a whole generation who grew up living in malls on Friday nights. Bands like Chiodos and Alesana were the kings of this sound and now a fresh band from Jacksonville just wrote your new favorite song. RIght Here Right Now hit the scene in June of this year and already has our attention here at GKE. Their energy and passion fills the song and the room it’s played in and that is exactly how I felt about their newest and second ever release, “Starz”. 

To have a song called starz, it needs to give me that night sky vibe, and the band did not disappoint.  Leading off with a very euphoric and twinkley guitar melody sets that mood. But as you prepare for a slow burn song that is going to build up triumphantly, WHAM, you’re reminded that there is an element of heaviness and aggression here as well. But as you settle into the first verse that night night sky vibe comes back. As you move through the song, there is a familiar feeling when you’re listening but it has a fresh face. There are elements of the new age music of the low verses and giant hooks, but in between the heavier parts, the band seems to let loose and that triggers a nostalgic feeling inside of me, Like I’m discovering this style all over again. Vocalist Drake Shirley absolutely destroys this song. Having a beautiful tone in his voice makes it so much easier and sweeter to listen to. 

I have had the conversation a lot over the past couple of years that if songs we loved were released in today's production standards, would it have hit as hard as it did? The ultimate answer I have come to is no, But this song is proof that it could be just as good today. This was an incredibly enjoyable song to listen to and it will be going on my night drives playlist. For being only the band’s 2nd release ever, They have set the bar tremendously high.