Cinema Stare, from Connecticut, creates pop-punk that feels fun, fleeting, and light. With great but simple lyrics and great dance-worthy vibes that keep you moving, they hold true to the early 2000s pop-punk sound. And with female-fronted vocals and an older-feeling production style on their tracks, they have nostalgia in their songs.
"James Pack" features Cinema Stare's four latest singles, including one of the same name and another one titled "FML," both of which are right on par with that old-school feel. The "James Pack" single is such a great fun song while still having those wildly pop-punk lyrical runs and riffs. It's a really sweet and flirty love song that anyone can get into. I love that the beginning verse lyrics circle back around to be the ending of the last verse.
"FML" keeps the upbeat tempo but is definitely on the more serious side of the spectrum than "James Pack." The lyrics explore what it's like to feel stuck and useless, not knowing what to do to change the situation or feeling and the anger and grief that comes from that. I love that this song ends on the question that cements the song together: "what if I can't?" And I love that they had the instrumentals end before the words were finished. This really pulls "FML" together and ends it so nicely.
Music video for "Plus Ultra!" by Cinema Stare
"Plus Ultra!" (which came out back on October 23rd of last year) has the first single drop off "James Pack." It has a fun music video with the vibes of big-league Warped Tour bands in the early 2000s. This really seals them in with me; they embody all the best parts of the 2000s pop-punk that I grew up with, but in such a way that it doesn't feel dull and overdone.
"James Pack" was my introduction to Cinema Stare, and I have definitely added them to my personal playlists and to the ones I share with friends. I love a good band that reminds me of the music I grew up with yet still has more to add to the sound, and I believe Cinema Stare hit that nail on the head for me.
If you want even more new music from Cinema Stare, then you'll be happy to hear what they have coming.
On August 7th, Cinema Stare will be releasing the full "Stink E.P.," which features all four "James Pack" singles and two additional tracks. The band will be welcoming the EP through Static Era Records, with production, engineering, and mixing done by Christ Teti of Silver Bullet Studio and mastering by Will Putney.
Vocalist Quinn says that the "Stink E.P." is "a 'screw you' to fascists, misogynists, and ultimately myself for how I have let people step over me in my life." I love these types of releases because you know the bottled-up emotions came out in the production, and this music is going to be very raw with us.
Cinema Stare. Photo Credit: Facebook
Cinema Stare have a lot of great things going for them. From their branding and sound to their new releases and live performances (including their ongoing tour with Adjust the Sails and Worlds Greatest Dad), they have their hands full in the best way. With their quality and vibes, I am hoping to see them around for a long time.
Their sound is built to last. From the nostalgia it holds to the new wave influences it channels, Cinema Stare is made to stand the test of time. Their fun vibes and great song structures, paired with more meaningful lyrics. I am so excited to hear what they have coming with the release of the "Stink E.P." and beyond!
Meet Cinema Stare
Quinn - Vocals/Guitar
Joseph Pelegano - Bass
Sean Maclure - Drums
