Paul Starling "Ghost Waltz"

Brian Bringelson, aka Paul Starling is a young songwriter/musician who grew up in the Conejo Valley, CA. His self produced debut album is “Ghost Waltz” and for a working demo, it’s pretty damn polished. Taking on a sixties folk rock sound, not unlike The Cyrkle, mixed with Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys, Starling weaves together a series of baroque summer pop songs perfect like a cool breeze on a hot July day. It begins with a haunting low-key “Visions of drowning” which reminds me alot of the Association. Next comes “Caroline” a terrific single with great harmonies and just the right hook. Other tunes are carefully orchestrated in the contemporary sixties pop style like “I guess you’re my ghost” and “You’re wrong again” take the light Elephant Six style similar to the Ladybug Transistor or Cloud Eleven. Both are very easy on the ear. Lots of other references here are easy to spot, “Instead” sounds like an updated Gerry and The Pacemakers ballad. Easily the catchiest tune on the album is “Hey Now Dana” an early Critters or Seekers vibe is present and it’s my favorite track here. After this the remaining tracks on the album’s second half aren’t as catchy, but the same romantic mood with exception of the bleak “Alerton Park” which sounds like a Moody Blues outtake. Right now you can only get this album from the Paul Starling website. Hello? Power Pop labels like Rainbow Quartz should sign this guy now!

Paul Starling Website | My Space

“Visions of Drowning” video