I SEE STARS have hands down created the best emo record of the year.  Though I wouldn’t call it just emo, because there is a ton of great electronica and post hardcore involved, too.  Seriously, kind of like when Panic At The Disco brought something new and exciting into the scene with their broadway/theatric type of approach, I SEE STARS is the next rock icon to redefine the genre.  I SEE STARS give this futuristic sound with the aforementioned electronica and post hardcore, but it’s how they stylistically combine it all into one that makes them the breakthrough that they are.  And seeing how the “scene” these days bites on a “lifestyle” more so than the music itself, I SEE STARS has come at the right time to impress.  Also considering that 3D is their debut CD, you really can’t ask for more because I see the band as already finding their musical direction, and executing perfectly.

While each song on 3D really shines bright, “Save The Cheerleader” takes the electronica to the next level, and sets I SEE STARS apart from the pack.  The tempo change is actually a tad bit surprising from the beginning brutality to all of a sudden a danced fused anthem to get down to!  Despite the criticisms that might arise about the use of the vocal autotune, I think it fits perfectly into the band’s delivery.  It’s so upbeat, and can seriously crawl under a man’s skin.  I SEE STARS really takes the stage with “Comfortably Confused”, and put on one hell of a show!  “Comfortably Confused” is easily my favorite song on 3D, and it just making you feel really good.  From Devin Oliver’s luscious clean vocals, the moving stomp of the electronica, the extremely memorable melodies, and the extremely catchy chorus and hooks, “Comfortably Confused” sounds like a #1 hit single!  Put this one on repeat, for it’s seriously one of the catchiest songs of the year. 

Plenty more catchy hits make themselves present on 3D, including the title track, “3D”, and its powerful delivery of both melody and a unique vocal range from Oliver.  The album opener “Project Wakeup” gives some great guitar riffs, which I should also mention how kickass and futuristic the guitar tones are on 3D.  Even rapper Bizzy Bone heats up a track laying down vocals on “Sing This!”, and the album closer with “What This Means To Me” is yet again another huge pop hit.  “What This Means To Me” is where their brutality is at its best, and Oliver’s vocal range fits is excellent.  The way I SEE STARS transitions from soft to heavy are incredible, really! 

With such an upbeat vibe, these guys are equipped for stardom, because this stuff is the future.  It already seems kind of like they are ahead of their time.  They’ve got a vision just like every human being does in life, and when you know you’re in that moment, “I see stars”.