The number of bands with “star” or “starr” as part of their names is growing at an alarming rate. Although this may not be considered an epidemic yet, perhaps we should put this on a watch list right along with the bird flu. Starsailor, Stellastarr*, the list contiues to grow by the day, with the latest addition being the group Whitestarr. This Los Angeles-based group has been popping up in the press for various reasons, including the fact that frontman Cisco Adler is the son of music biz legend Lou Adler, the ex-fiance of Rod Stewart’s daughter, as well as the current boyfriend to The OC’s Mischa Barton. Yeah, homeboy has been rather busy. As if that wasn’t enough to get the band noticed, the drummer happens to be Alex Orbison, son of the one and only Roy Orbison. Fortunately for Whitestarr, the band has the chops to back up the mountains of press and hype that has already started. Their album sampler surfaced this past week, which gives us a peek at their southern rock sound, proving that these dudes have listened to plenty of the Black Crowes. “Luv Machine”, which kicks off the sampler, actually sounds like John Mellencamp in his prime, with plenty of cowbell and handclaps to make this rock radio gold. “Sunshine Girl” sounds like a weird whiskey-fueled hybrid of the The Vacation, Stereophonics and Kings Of Leon, but it totally works. Whitestarr has plenty of potential, which could make ‘06 a great year for them once they release their full-length on Contango Records.

Whitestarr
Contango Records

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