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Deathstar Self-titled
6-song 10” Chico, California is a small semi-rural town dependant on the local state college for much of its energy. A healthy portion of this energy spills over into a vibrant and close-knit musical enclave, of which Deathstar were a part. Alongside their brethren Land of the Wee Beasties, Mid-Fi and a host of legendary ghosts like Vomit Launch, Deathstar produced the rock that made the kids in town sweat as they toss around the living room or rock venue hosting the trio. Kelly Bauman was playing drums for Harvester (Portland band released stuff on Geffen) while Jim played for Pitchfork Tuning - both northern California combos of some acclaim during their tenure. Ken was hanging out around town innocently drinking beer. After hours of drinking and watching one another’s bands play, Deathstar formed in spare time as more of a side project for fun and exploration than a regular full-time rock combo. As the record listening parties and band practices became more intense and frequent, Deathstar played in front of others to much critical delight and a degree of support from locals few famous people have garnered. Deathstar started leaving town on occasion to spread their rock to other locales, and others became enthralled with the controlled fury, the Deathstar energy that springs forth with volume. In August of 1995, The Superwinners Summer Rock Academy took place in hot, humid Chico. Deathstar burned brighter at their show than the sun had all day, and people continued to talk about them throughout this now-legendary weekend of 50+ bands. Through Deathstar's career, we witnessed many milestones: The Superwinners compilation including a version of “Stride Rite;” Jim, Ken and Kelly toured California several times; Deathstar collectively purchased a van that carried them outside California several times; The trio of young lads moved in together to incorporate daily living into the Deathstar experience; And finally, we readied their first phonograph record for the public. Their six song 10” mini album expresses their split personalities; the least of which are one side being recorded on 4-track, while the other side was recorded on an 8-track machine. Their slower, more melodic journeys strike stark contrasts to the ringing guitars of their anthemic, abrasive rock songs. The duration of this record is a journey through the many thoughts these young men have committed to tape. Each song is deliberately different, complex, and full of the fury only the kids in Chico really understood. Personnel: Discography |
