Black Star Dancing EP: Review

(This piece was written when the single was released)

Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds have struck gold once more, with one of the best EPs of the year so far. Black Star Dancing, along with Rattling Rose and Sail On, is a perfect example of dance music within an indie genre. It cannot be called their most inspiring release, but it is clear that this EP is designed to make even the most miserable want to dance.

Black Star Dancing has an older feel to it, with the bands influences being worn clearly on their sleeve, incorporating bits of Bowie, U2 and INXS. From a strong, danceable bass line, to an upbeat drum loop, Noel has mastered the art of an indie dance track. The music video is humorous and showcases northern wit, with the band supposedly appearing on the 1970s show The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club. I am not a dancer but even I can admit to moving in time with the melodic bass, disco inspired song.

Rattling Rose feels like an early Housemartins track, combined with Guy Garvey’s Elbow. Again, alongside Gallagher’s strong vocals, the bass carries the track, with a sweet female backing vocal giving Noel’s voice the kick required to create yet another dance track, but unlike Black Star Dancing, Rattling Rose feels more like a slow mover, not designed to be sung along to, or even belted at a festival, it is designed to make you listen, and sway.

The final track on the EP, Sail On, is distinctly more folk, with an ode to calypso in the shape of calm vocals, repetitive lines, and the most beautiful acoustic guitar. Immediately the instrumentals create a vivid image of hazy summer evenings, the lyrics talking of escape and the willingness to be free, almost like summer when you’re 17, and the whole world is at your feet.

Not too unlike Who Built The Moon? the EP doesn’t leave you begging for an Oasis reunion, Noel’s current style is very different to brother Liam’s (with his single Shockwave coming out less than a week ago) and the creative style may be fresh, but would clash completely. Black Star Dancing is one of three EP’s set to be released by the band this year, and I feel that it has set the bar at a good middle, and it will only get better from here.