Words by: Amanda Marano

The Atlanta-based glam-punk four-piece, STARBENDERS, have excitedly shared their brand new music video for their acoustic rendition of “One Of Us”. With a sound that seems to combine all of the classic icons you can imagine, modern and fresh lyrics, a full set of instrumentals, paired with a unique and nostalgic look, STARBENDERS created the acoustic cover of your dreams.

The bright and colorful video depicts the band with even more musicians playing and singing in a garden, adorned in vintage clothing. With the band raising her up, vocalist Kimi Shelter sings “Can’t speak with words so cheap / I know that it hurts every time I leave / I don’t wanna live a world away from you.”

The song comes off their recent album, Love Potions. The album is more experimental, an adventurous exploration of their style and influences to create a brand new sound. This is the band’s first full-length release after signing with Sumerian Records last year.

Speaking on the dreamy track, Shelter explains, “The bond within our band is one that is unique and precious to us. People and places come in and out of our lives the same way that cities fly past my window in the van. We feel safe in the chaos because we have each other. As we go faster, the blur intensifies and we’re left feeling almost childlike in our restlessness. Craving the warm embrace of anything that represents home, but not being able to sit still long enough to receive it. Life on the road swirled with feelings of longful lamentation inspired the writing of ‘One Of Us’. When you’re torn between worlds and you can feel your soul begging for mercy, expression can be your only salvation. The words and music poured right out of me.”

Since forming in 2014, the band has continued to evolve their sound: an invigorating combination of ‘70s glitter, ‘80s glam, new wave and new romantic elements, and classic rock roots. Lead by ethereal frontwoman, Kimi Shelter, one of the most exciting songwriters in contemporary rock & roll, the band is made up of bassist, Aaron Lecesne, guitarist, Kriss Tokaji, and drummer, Emily Moon. Their soul-stirring sound makes them both exciting and familiar, in a way that draws listeners in and intoxicates them with their refined musicianship.

When discussing their creative process, Shelter shared, “It’s really interesting to see it bloom into what it is now, I guess us leveling up as far as musicians go, and having to be capable of pivoting — be decisive and be resourceful in the midst of creating as well — has really shaped us. The sound has captured this sort of restless, relentless side of my spirit. We got to that very hungry place and, as a writer, my voice started to become more confident, while it became more vulnerable. As a band, we’ve been doing some big tours in-between the recordings and have been playing live quite a bit. The violence of the stage has shown up in our sound as well.”

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