ISLAND’s “Stargazer” is further proof that AM was actually a cultural powerhouse. The way the chords are delivered in that clean, greaser tone recalls some of the suave ease the Arctic Monkeys commanded back in ’13. Those vocals even share the same English croon, injected with all of that leather jacket confidence. There’s a hint of similar swagger to the beats, and even a moment when the guitars rip out of the quiet with just enough umph to propel the show forward without stealing it entirely.
“Stargazer” isn’t quite so pompous, though. While AM found some of its muscle in how cocky it actually was, “Stargazer” is on the opposite end. Its reverbed metropolitan folk is humble, with lyrics crooned in a more restrained manner. There’s no sweeping riffs; just gentle chords and rolling leads. But ISLAND doesn’t necessarily shy from drama. The tempo jumps, the guitars crank, and suddenly there’s a sense of urgency behind this stargazer’s cry.
“These lights are ours!” the singer declares as the beat hits the climax. “These lights are ours,” he adds in a softer voice as “Stargazer” tapers off. “These lights are ours…”