Photography by Keeyahtay Lewis/Deadbolt Photos
Reviews
Red Brick Tide
Pink White Blue Green
The Noise - Boston
Claire Writes Music
Wildy Wildy's World
Cheap Thrills - Boston
Summer in the Woodshed
Skope Mag - Rebecca Hosking - full article>>
“When you hear a band like these two young ladies you can not help but think both were put on this earth solely to find each other and create musical fusion. They have a rare dynamic that intertwines their vocals into beautiful melodic threads."
The Noise - Julia R. DeStefano, Revere, MA - full article>>
“Magical” is perhaps the best term to describe the folk-rock duo of Dania Abu-Shaheen and Zilpha Starnes. As women from completely different backgrounds, the two effortlessly meet in the middle to craft instantly likeable songs, each bringing their own experiences to the table in the process. With an acoustic EP and a previously released full-length album under their belt, Pink White Blue Green is a symbol of growth, reminiscent of artists such as Hazeldine, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals and even Boston’s own Avi & Celia. Tracks such as the melodic opener, Romance the Throne, as well as the sexualized undertones of Saturn Starter Home, and the ever-changing world as seen through Rocket Science, could easily be heard on the radio any given day of the week. Teeth, Fit, Fit, Fit and Confetti are especially effective and “ear-catching” through means of repetition. In terms of originality, each song soars with harmonies, intricacies unlike anything this reviewer has heard before. Only time will tell, but the talented ladies of Starnes&Shah could very well be the next big thing to hit the music community."
Claire Writes Music - Claire Robinson-Ayres, Brislington, Bristol, United Kingdom - full article>>
"...Though in some ways the duo recall other closely harmonising pairings like the Indigo Girls, their unique and powerful voices curiously don’t quite blend as one would expect. Their intelligent, yet awkward harmonies and predominantly vocal slant on a folk-rock sound is original and enchanting. Highlights include Rocket Science for its beautiful, melodic a cappella breakdowns, Fit, Fit, Fit for its purity of purpose, and the stunningly raw and powerful Leave Sonny. In keeping with the colour wheel hopping of the title, there are times when Pink White Blue Green can leave one feeling a little lost and dizzy, but there’s always something just earthy enough around the corner to steer us back to an expedition of appreciation."
Wildy Wildy's World - Wildy, Amherst, NY - full article>>
"...Pink White Blue Green, featuring intelligent and melodic folk tunes with tight harmonies, is bound to gain Starnes & Shah critical attention. If you can imagine Neil Young crossed with the Indigo Girls you have a vague idea of what Starnes&Shah are about musically.
Starnes&Shah have a very unique sound in their harmonies. They don't blend exactly; it's more like their voices co-exist in harmonious fashion, yet both remain materially distinct. The result is harmony with just a hint of tension that's always beneath the surface. Consequently, not everything on Pink White Blue Green works for me as the listener. The more lyric or mundane tracks fizzle out a bit, but then there are songs like Fit, Fit, Fit and Romance The Throne, where Starnes And Shah are at the top of their game. On the best tracks it's as if the producer captured a live performance at home sitting around a coffee table. The sound is edgy and raw and full of the bare character of both performers. Leave Sonny is the absolute highlight of the disc; an archetype of that raw and unrepentant sound that makes Starnes&Shah who they are. The songwriting here is exceptional; it's one of those songs you can imagine other artists finding and wanting to record for themselves. The second half of the CD is much tamer, and consequently lost me a bit. Other highlights include Half Hitch, Rocket Science and Precious Face And Familiar Bride.
Pink White Blue Green is uneven and gets a little lost for much of its second half, but the first five tracks here are as interesting and enjoyable as anything you're likely to find in Folk/Pop music. Starnes&Shah have an amazing vocal harmony sound that sounds nearly as competitive as it is complementary. The tension they create in coming together adds an extra spice to the songs on Pink White Blue Green and causes intrigue in listeners. Starnes&Shah are definitely worth spending a little time getting to know."
Cheap Thrills - Robert V., Boston, MA - full article>>
"...Starnes&Shah dance splendidly on the fence between folky-rock and rockish-folk, but it doesn't matter with great lyrics and melodies..."
NPR - Second Stage- full article>>
Starnes and Shah seem like an unlikely folk band. One member is an Arabic, rock and roll hopeful from Lebanon, another a former choir singer from Texas, and one member is a heavy metal drummer from New Mexico. But the trio, now based in New York, finds common ground in heartfelt acoustic songs..."
