Star 99’s Shining LP “Bitch Unlimited”
Star 99’s debut full-length LP Bitch Unlimited has just been released through Lauren Records following the band’s foundational EP My Year in Lists which was self-released in 2021. This latest release shows the group’s impressive upward growth in just two years, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
This past Sunday, Star 99 played alongside Mom Jeans., Cheekface, and King of Heck out in Fresno, and that nearly comprehensively sets the tone for what to expect with their music. The album opens with half of the double single released ahead of the full album. “Girl” helps complete the picture of Star 99’s sound. There’s the indie-punk sound echoed by all of the artists they played with on Sunday with a borderline sickly sweet energy carrying the track and their whole sound to a new level. “Salt” follows, changing vocalists. The two leading vocalists alternate throughout the album, yet the change in who fronts the band is done so seamlessly. Energy is sustained, style is maintained, and it’s just someone different (and just as good) than on the previous track.
Tracks like “Cosmic Glue” are hard to come by.
This song showcases each of the members’ talents beautifully. Even though it’s a loud track, it doesn’t sound like the members are trying to play over the rest of the band.
They all stand out and they let each other stand out. It really isn’t just this one track that does this either—“South Side”, which was the second half of their double single, accomplishes this as well. Really, it is a testament to Star 99’s ability to work as a full unity, and it sounds incredible every time.
Bitch Unlimited is a big album. The sounds, the messages, and the general force of the album are all big. It’s incredible to hear tracks like “Elastic” that are such a cohesive bold sound that leaves you needing more. That is then it’s juxtaposed with the stripped-back opening on “Kentucky” which features piano. This is one of the stand-out tracks on this album, which is a little crazy because this whole album is a stand-out. It’s sandwiched between two really bold punky tracks, and its contrast is striking and beautiful. “Jackie” follows—bright and energetic, it is sure to amp up an audience in the mere minute and 42 seconds it lasts. This album keeps energy front and center, even the slower, more affected tracks maintain that energy. “Spit Take” keeps it up.
Another favorite of mine off of this album is “Guide Thy Hand”. It evokes strong imagery and has the most incredible guitar solo to wrap the track up. The guitar on this track lead to drums opening up the final track on the album, “Vegas”. I did not want Bitch Unlimited to end (if you couldn’t tell). But if it has to end, I’m glad it could end with a track like this. So many tracks off this album feel like it could be the soundtrack to an early 2000s teen dramedy—like Freaky Friday, Jennifer’s Body, or something in that general realm (even though those are two very different movies, you can kinda see what I mean). “Vegas” really induces that feeling more than probably any other track, and it is such a good feeling and such a good way to end this album.
If you couldn’t tell, I fell in love with Star 99 upon my very first listen to their music. I am so excited to see what comes next because Star 99 is shining so bright. If Bitch Unlimited is any indication, I’d say they’re going to be burning bright for a while (and boy are we lucky).
Definitely check out Star 99 and their new album Bitch Unlimited if you’re a fan of Diet Cig, Remember Sports or any of the bands they just played with (Mom Jeans., Cheekface, King of Heck)
