Years & Years are back. Or should I say Years & Years is back, with their new single ‘Starstruck‘.
Three years after the group’s last release, the brilliant Palo Santo, frontman Olly Alexander has returned as a soloist. He is keeping the Years & Years name all for himself, alongside their trademark pop disco sound. He has released a new single under the band name, titled ‘Starstruck‘. This new track is the product of lockdown, and the need to release a lot of pent up energy. In a statement about the song, Alexander explained:
“[The song] came together one night at a studio in the countryside outside of London. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen so many stars. Since we’ve all had to stop, all I’ve wanted to do is go out and dance. So I’ve been putting all that pent up energy into the music.”
Inspired by the singer’s recent acting work in Russell T. Davis’ TV series It’s a Sin, the song marks the start of a foray into what Alexander describes as “Upbeat, euphoric dance tunes”. Their critically acclaimed 2018 album Palo Santo showcased a darker, dirtier sound – hedonistic, vodka drenched and covered in glitter. Contrastingly, ‘Starstruck’ sounds like the start of an era that will be injected with something a little more joyful, a little less grungy, but equally as glittering and punchy. The track establishes an 80s electro sound with lyrics that talk of crushes and blossoming romances:
“I feel like all these people in this room / Don’t shine like you / If I could bottle you up / I would sip ya like cosmic juice / I can’t help it / I get starstruck around you / What can I do baby”
‘Starstruck’ is a brilliant summer anthem and the track’s release has been timed perfectly for the upcoming garden parties we’ll all undoubtedly be indulging in. A Years & Years album is due for release soon, the third falling under the band name, but Alexander’s debut as a solo artist. If ‘Starstruck’ is anything to go by, it’s going to be as sublime as Years & Years’ previous hits.
