Kicking and Screaming Music: Press

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-stark-put-it-to-your-head.html

Stark – Put It To Your Head
2007 Kicking and Screaming Music

What is a mild-mannered traffic reporter to do? A certain amount of angst builds up delivering the same messages of gridlock day-in and day-out in a major metropolitan area such as New York. Stark leader Lani Ford takes out her frustrations on the New York City Indie scene with great effect. Stark's 2nd studio release Put It To Your Head evokes Courtney Love at her finest as well as the finely tuned angst of Green Day. Ford is joined for this release by guitarist Josette and drummer "Sweet Rob" Endemann. The sound morphs from CBGB era Punk to straightforward rock without losing a single identity, which is quite an accomplishment.

"18 Again" is a fun romp that will get your feet moving and looking for the pit. "I Pay" is the track that most evokes Courtney Love, and is a highlight. Other highlights include "Nothing's Wrong", "This Day", "Disturbed", and the acoustic version of "Butterfly". The secret of Stark is that if you strip away the amplifiers and attitude, they can really play and sing. This is a very talented young power trio who with the right breaks are destined for big things. Check them out, and if you're in the city go see a show!

Rating: Buy It Soon!

You can learn more about Stark at www.myspace.com/Stark or www.starknyc.com. You can purchase Put It To Your Head at www.cdbaby.com/cd/laniford.

Wildy Haskell
Wildy's World
wildysworld.blogspot.com

"STARK's new release 'Put It To Your Head' hits with a bang—sometimes hard, sometimes gentle, always rockin'. Streetwise tunes that will have you smiling, raunchy guitars and a kick ass bottom line. This one comes on strong and then goes for broke, the perfect soundtrack to your insane life. Listen up wasties…they've got what you need, when you need it!"

“Lani Ford, the nucleus, bassist and vocalist of STARK, has returned with a new album of introspective, personal songs about life in the urban soap opera of Manhattan. She has a new band, too…who only serve to improve the sound established on 2004’s ‘The Curse’. From the Ramones-style opener, ’18 Again’, through to the closing emotional catharsis of the acoustic ‘Butterfly’, Ford takes us on a journey of the world as she sees it, along with her dry cynical commentary on the day-to-day drama. ‘I Pay (Man in the Moon)’ pairs Arabic scales with mournful Delta blues lyrics. ‘Dreams Come True’ describes intertwined dysfunctional relationships with the insight of Lou Reed but without the contempt. Rock ‘n’ roll should be this good.”

“On the surface of it STARK (sometimes referring to themselves as STARKnyc) are typical New York tough chicks, boasting aggressive guitar work and closely observed tales of junkie love (‘Co-Dependent’, ‘Nothing’s Wrong’), rendered in the Courtney-sucking-on-shrapnel rasp of feisty frontwoman Lani Ford. Opening track ’18 Again’ is a near perfect exercise in this sort of angst-ridden Babes In Toyland/Betty Blowtorch inspired punk, but delve further and you’ll find that beneath the harsh exterior ‘Put It To Your Head’ has a heart of golden melody, in core blues and country inspired songs which if anything cut deepest with their sneaking attack of sly hooks and poetic sensibilities.”

“Three years on and STARK are back with a new album and this really does kick ass! Both lyrically and musically this is much tighter than their debut ‘The Curse’. That break has certainly given Lani Ford food for thought and with those life experiences and changes in the band will certainly guarantee this is one of the best albums I’m going to hear in 2008. Opening up with the potent ’18 Again’ this album steams into wicked songs such as ‘Dreams Come True’, ‘Nothing’s Wrong’, ‘Reliably Disappointing Relationship’ and ‘Disturbed’. Lani Ford doesn’t mess around here and for me has got to be one of the best artists to come out of NYC. Not only do you get a great album musically but the production is top notch and packaging is the tops too. It’s great to read Lani’s lyrics too—even if you don’t like the music I’m sure you’ll love how she writes. Yes, check this baby out."

“Catchy straight ahead rock mixed with punk overtones…STARK, a trio who hail from NYC have a new album out aptly called ‘Put It To Your Head’. All the songs are written by Lani Ford who at times sounds a lot like Bebe Buell [the author’s favorite artist]. Besides vocal chores, Ms. Ford plays bass…My personal favorites are ’18 Again’ and ‘OH NO!’ All the songs are good and I strongly suggest you check them out yourself.”

STARK - Put It To Your Head (ww.starknyc.com)
A delightfully crunchy’n’punchy 10 song explosion of pleasingly raw’n’raucous punk rock sass and spirit, this album really gets your blood boiling and your ass shakin’ with its boundless go-for-it vitality and fierce, aggressive, yet still melodic sound. Lead singer Lani Ford growls out the sharp, stinging lyrics with deliciously sexy’n’snarly aplomb. The grinding guitars, churning basslines, and jackhammer drums ensure that the snappy tempos and driving beats never let up for a minute. All the songs shake, rattle and rumble with substantial flair and gusto to spare; highlights include the rousing opening track “18 Again,” the ferociously kickin’ “Nothing’s Wrong,” the chilling “Co-Dependent,” and the wonderfully thrilling full-throttle scorcher “Disturbed.” Things quiet down and end on a beautifully touching note with the lovely acoustic ballad “Butterfly.” An excellent and very impressive album.

Stark is an odd sort of punk trio. Lani Ford sings lead over fast guitar rockers, but her voice is far too sweet for down ‘n dirty punk rock. Put It To Your Head is this act’s second full-length CD, and one possible reason why Ford sounds a little too refined to be a true punk is that she is a Fox 5 traffic reporter and a WPLJ New York DJ.

Songs like “18 Again” are short, sharp shocks of sound, but this group also knows how to slow down the mood. “Butterfly” is sweetly acoustic, while “Dreams Come True” has a nice little shuffle beat to it. The act’s guitarist is also a female, which makes it two-thirds girl group I guess. Guitarist Josette is also a fine player, which she reveals with her nice solo during “Dreams Come True.”

In a few instances, the group takes on social issues. One such example of this social conscience is “Nothing’s Wrong," which addresses those who are in denial about their drug habits. Drugs also enter into “Co-Dependent," where Ford sings, “He needs drugs, and I need him, there is no way that I can win.”

When Stark keeps things straightforward and simple, they’re at their gutsy best. When they follow “Reliably Disappointing Relationship (R-D-R)” with “Disturbed," which includes explicit lyrics, they sing politically incorrect words about enjoying drinking and driving. Of course, they also make it clear that these are the opinions of a truly disturbed person and not the band’s actual perspective. But the song’s fast ‘n loud playing finds Stark being true to themselves artistically. Even the acoustic closer, “Butterfly," succeeds. Not because it abandons punk sonics, but because Ford has a naturally pretty voice – one that can handle a ballad, such as this one, quite easily.

Stark gives mixed results because the band tries to do too many things well. It would have been more enjoyable had the group just played up its garage rock instincts from start to finish. When Stark thrashes without any hesitation, Put It To Your Head becomes a wild, good time.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
STARK - Put it to Your Head

As it’s title implies, Stark’s Put it to Your Head is an album motivated by strong actions drawn from life taxing experiences, their effects, and possessing the individual will to over come them all and chalk it up to being, well, just life. It is the second release from this New York City rock trio, whose music and attitude is directly informed and reflective of it’s home.

What sets Stark apart from being your run-of-the-mill New York City bar band are their subtly layered style and the cohesive incorporation of that style. Their music is decidedly rock but not subjugated to blind genre predictability. The more intense guitar work of Josette infuses slight southern tinged blues riffs beside Lani Ford’s gritty punk bass rhythms (“18 Again,” “Disturbed”). While on the ditty “Dreams Come True” the entire band is able to successfully turn it down a notch via the foundation of Sweet Rob Endermann’s drumming; resulting in an indie slice of life piece that would could raise the jealousy of Liz Phair.

Vocally Ford has a clean, strong, and melodic alto with a slight vibrato that can draw you in as well as soar over you. Lyrically she is a straight shooter with an onus for tell-all honesty with little subtext that resonates simultaneously as both tough and tender. The yearning “Co-Dependant” depicts a star-crossed relationship with dichotomistic cravings. “This Day” is a tailor made rock anthem about discovering and owning up to ones own self-image. While the stand out “OH NO!” realistically captures the flood of emotions in that first instant of awareness of the inevitable.

The album closes with the acoustic “Butterfly,” a painful and personal “Dear John” letter that exhibits ugly strength and melancholic pathos out of its necessity for finality and moving on. A fitting end to an album full of life experiences from a city that could make anyone put a variety of things to their head and yet still have the will to live again.

STARK-Put It To Your Head (independent)
STARK hails from New York City and they play no-nonsense rock and roll. The band consists of Lani Ford on lead vocals and bass, Josette on guitars and Sweet Rob Endermann on drums. In opener “18 Again”, the band already shows off some great action. Think in the direction of THE PRETENDERS and THE RAMONES to get a good description of their sound. Yes, it’s that filthy. In “I Pay (Man In The Moon)”, they take back some speed. “Put It To Your Head” is already the second album by this band, which proves that they are very much capable of writing catchy and ‘easy-on-the-ear’ rock songs. No matter, if it’s a song with a punk rock attitude, like the great opener, or one with a more melodic edge. The album contains ten new tracks and runs for about thirty-five minutes. In “Oh No”, I definitely hear the influence of THE PRETENDERS again, which they can take as a big compliment. The mix of pop, rock, punk, country and soul will easily appeal to many music fans out there. The melody is there, the vibe is good, and some of the songs may even sound right on national radio. A song like “Nothing’s Wrong” may not be suitable for radio airplay maybe, but that makes it even more interesting for dirty rawk and rollers like ourselves. A job well done on this one! “Co-Dependent” and “This Day” are uptempo again, and also “R-D-R”, which stands for “Reliably Disappointing Relationship” gets a nice groove by Lani. While “Disturbed” brings back the punk attitude of the band. I decided to turn up the volume a bit louder on this one, just to let some sweat out. The name of BLONDIE comes to mind hearing this song. “Put It To Your Head” closes with an acoustic song, called “Butterfly”, where the name of HOLE popped up in my mind. STARK is a name to remember, if you like a fresh mix of different styles, topped with raunchy guitarwork. Sometimes sleazy or punky or at other times modest and melodic, yet always with a good vibe in every song. Website: http://www.starknyc.com. [8 points out of 10]

STARK! I am a fan! Man... This babe tells the truth and no holds barred. I find her extremely raunchy and it totally makes my wanker wobble, but let me just say that I am only through half of the album and I AM IN LOVE!!! That's of course if I believed in that sort of shit.

The next couple of shows are going to be an in depth listen to this rock band. And it is rock, sure a little of this a little of that all mixed up like thrice fried rice, but ain't that America? This first album is no doubt not for the youngsters and those who can't handle words like fuck and pussy and shit like that. It's not what you would call real intricate or complicated song structure, just real. So the next couple of shows are going to be a STARK Fest where I review each song on its merits or lack thereof.

All of the new shows are going to be something like this format, but you never know... I might just play a bunch of shit and never say anything like 99% of these other Internet pretend radio shows do. It's my show, and I can do whatever I want. If you don't like it... GET YOUR OWN DAMN SHOW! You ain't paying my ass anyway, so shut the fuck up!

STARK- PUT IT TO YOUR HEAD(CD-KICKING AND SCREAMING MUSIC KSM002) On this record so have Lani changed her band against other members and that maybe she did the right thing to do. It sounds more professional nowadays and I think once again on groups where they have had girls in the front and on vocals and here I think about Photos if someone remembers them. You can anyway understand that this sounds really punky sometimes when I describe the music I hope. I think that the acoustic song Butterfly should have been in the middle of the record instead just to take down the tempo a little and after that starting up the tempo again. Really Ok is it anyway and an interview is to be expected.(SEVEN)

STARK, The Curse--"Explicit lyrics" and "hard rock" don't begin to cover STARK's full-length CD. Scorching guitar licks, screaming yet melodic vocals, and driving bass lines make this an irresistible CD, but not one you'd want to play at work, especially during the simulated orgasm on "Slut." The CD covers the gamut of feelings a sexually liberated woman feels over the course of a bad relationship from horny to angry to sad to glad-to-be-free. A couple of tracks show the band's softer side and its wide range. Pick this one up if you want to let out your wild child and cruise around with the girls.

STARK--The Curse CD Review:
For all its punk regalia--camo, chains, spikes, and the rest, STARK is more like a Rocky Horror trailer park theme remixed for the now fabled Meow Mix crowd. Leading lady Lani Ford, nursing a serious Chrissy Hynde infection, has got an impressive set of pipes. Ranting female orgasm slut speak, she has the kind of mouth that Tipper would love to slap a sticker over. A little bit honky-tonk, all the way from the Lone Star state, you can take the girl outta Texas...well, you know that rest.

The Curse CD Review:
STARK featuring Lani Ford has style. Lani has a wonderful, deep sexy voice. This is a knockout CD. Rich and heartfelt that reflects her cool Texas heritage. You can hear a wonderful twang in the painful lyrics. "The Curse" brings it all home. A definite must in any sound station.

The Curse CD Review:
STARK's Lani Ford must be one of the most honest people walking the planet today. Her lyrics are penned with the intimate abandon that is usually reserved for one's diary. With STARK, she transforms these personal reveries into emotionally charged Rock'N'Roll. Alternating between the sneering confidence of Chrissie Hynde and the mournful soul of Patsy Cline, The Curse weaves a tale of loneliness, heartbreaks and one-night-stands like the jukebox Country in a desert highway dive. Somehow Lani has mustered the courage to reveal her innermost self, a rare trait within the egotistical realm of Rock'N'Roll. More power to her.

STARK's CD "The Curse" begins with raw garage band tones that quickly make way for well-produced punk rock ala early Pretenders and Patti Smith. Front-woman, Lani Ford, writes and sings with conviction and disdain for her surroundings, whether crooning about relationships or shouting about the graphic sexual reality that splatters with angst and power in track 2's "Look at Me". She unabashedly self-incriminates without fear. In track 3, "Slut", Ford describes her line of exploits with honesty, "i don't eat pussy goddamnit, i just keeping thinking about all these guys". STARK rises far above any female fronted punk rock band we've heard because Ford and company push the paper-cutting envelope so far that your tongue bleeds with the pleasure of honest raw rock and roll. The result is exaltation in the effort. So refreshing. Track 7 is an anthem for a part of the country that hasn't really had a song to brag about. "White Trash Rock and Roll Diva" is a tasty bit of tacky, 'i got no class, and you like my ass, but before you say what i think you're going to say, i don't need no boys, i just chew them up, and when i'm done you know i'll throw you away, cause i'm a white trash rock and roll diva'. In track 12, "Summer Girl", Lani starts with sweet vocal interpretation in a massive change to country/rock story-telling. The lyrics stay punk and it's our favorite on the record. She describes a girl she gave a ride to one summer day, "baby in her stomach may not make it til next week and as i drop her off i noticed...thanks for the ride man i really needed a lift today, i wish i could pay...i'm homeless and i'm manless ain't got no shoes upon my feet...and when i go to hell i hope it's somewhere further from the heat". The final and title track is a perfect musically disturbing ode to alcoholism, hate, and jealousy as Ford describes the shame of five generations, 'the curse, it's my inheritance you see. .it's got it's stranglehold on me'. STARK scores big with the entire offering, as they push real rock music, raw punk music, blatantly right music, in a space and time where the attitude is hard to find.

I should have known Lani Ford and Stark would be difficult to quantify. I only just became aware of the band after some chance small talk with Lani who was tending a bar my girlfriend wanted to check out in NYC for the tacky tiki decor. The CD mix she had going ranged from Motorhead to Janis Joplin. So it probably shouldn't have come as any surprise that Stark's CD, "The Curse" could be equally described as raunchy, sweet, sneering and soulful. The sound hovers somewhere between punk, country, blues, pop, folk - never quite settling on any one for long enough to become cliche. There's some very solid musicianship and production value, yet there's also a "garage band" feel that makes it sound like you're getting in on the ground floor of something about to break bigger. For my personal tastes, the tracks from six on are my favorites. Less shock-value punk and more articulate yet never losing that defining raw edge that ties it all together. Brutally honest and real - worth the time to listen!

Stark ist die Band um Lani Ford, die sich ansonsten als Verkehrsreporterin beim Sender Fox 5 ihre Brötchen verdient. Stark ist möglicherweise eine Art «Ausgleich» zu ihrem Job? Auf «The curse» merkt man dem Trio, zu dem auch Dylan Grewen und Greg Schiff gehören, einen Punkhintergrund an, obwohl der nicht durchwegs dominiert. Die dreizehn Songs sind roh, kurz, spartanisch, kommen schnell ohne Federlesen zur Sache (gilt auch für die Nicht-Punk-Songs). Das Trio erinnert zuweilen an Legal Weapon, die frühe Patti Smith oder X. Leider rocken nicht alle Songs so aufregend wie «Look at me» (So viele Männer aber meine Finger machen es in 30 Sekunden: Selbstbefriedigung und so), «Wrong guy» («Look at me» verwundert da nicht mehr) oder «White trash R&R diva». Und wenn sie dann mal nicht rocken, sind leider auch nicht alle Songs so tiefgreifend wie «Summer girl» oder das bedrückende «The curse».--,

Translation (by Elke Nominkat):

Stark is the band around Lani Ford who otherwise brings home the bacon as traffic reporter for Fox 5. Stark is possibly the "balance" to her daytime job? On "The Curse" one can tell that the trio - Dylan Grewen and Greg Schiff are also part of it - comes from a punk background, which isn't always dominating though. The thirteen songs are raw, short, spartan and get to the point immediately (this goes for the non-punk songs as well). At times, the trio recalls Legal Weapon, the early Patty Smith or X. Unfortunately though, not all songs rock as exciting as "Look at Me" (so many men but my fingers do it in 30 seconds: masturbation and such), "Wrong Guy" (no wonder that there's a song like "Look at Me") or "White Trash R&R Diva". And if they're not rocking, their songs are sadly not as radical as "Summer Girl" or the oppressive "The Curse".

“This album has been out for around four years now but still worth picking up as there’s some good tunes on here from Lani Ford and Co. This is raw NYC sleazy Punk/New Wave being played with passion and you can hear that in songs like ‘Look At Me’, ‘Slut’, ‘Wrong Guy’, ‘Beautiful Mistake’ and ‘Summer Girl’. I guess if you’re going to compare STARK with any bands I would agree that crossing the Pretenders with Patti Smith is the nearest you’re going to get. However the music STARK play isn’t blatant copying and the same can be said of the lyrics too! STARK stand out as their own people and rightfully so. Certainly an album worth tracking down.”

STARK-THE CURSE(CD) Lani Ford which sings and plays bass in this group is obvisiously some sort of newsgirl when she don´t play music. She sings as she have been a member in Pretenders and then I mean early Pretenders and on this record they´re ot so far from that group. Really nice punky pop is what Stark is playing but you become happy and I wouldn´t be surprised if groups like the newly mentioned Pretenders, Blondie and similar groups have been inspiration for Lani when she did her songs….Nothing new under the sun but surely nothing to be ashamed of either.(SEVEN)

Stark - The Curse

Lani Ford puts a tough chick slant on a voice in the midground between Ann Wilson and Annie Lenox. Spouting brash, often R-rated poetry while pounding out bass lines, she is the heart and soul of Stark, but not the only reason that this is a very good band. The backdrop of Josette’s gritty and intricate guitarwork fueled by the punkish beats of drummer Sweet Rob Endemann create a rock machine that will nail you right between the eyes. Not merely punk, alt, classic or metal, but possessing elements of all of them, this is pure rock with some interesting twists.