ALBUM REVIEW: I See Stars – ‘THE WHEEL’

It’s been almost a decade since the American electronicore outfit unveiled a full-length album. Though it hasn’t been radio silence for all that time as releases across 2023 and 2024 provided an early prelude to THE WHEEL. Work from the EP and single releases over the past couple of years all appear on the new album, but here they are situated in the context of the I See Stars’ fully formed concept. THE WHEEL is designed to be experienced in full, from beginning to end. With the band’s members having endured personal loss and trials with health battles, this new record reveals I See Stars’ growth as musicians alongside a more personal exploration of their experiences.

The emotional journey moves through motions of vulnerability, raw honesty and open lyrics, and the fierce, more intense, high-octane tracks, both powerful in their own right. The album’s concept is established in the sound effects of a roulette wheel being spun that appears in the form of the intro track. Electronic layers then build with intriguing anticipation before aggressive shouts from Devin Oliver kick off the title track, THE WHEEL. It’s a short, sharp offering presenting the more chaotic side that the band explore across the track list. Eliminator arrives with some sonic similarities around the synth choices. However, this song opens into a far more diverse array of musical arrangements, vocal styles and emotive elements. Eliminator combines the abrasive with thundering heaviness, interspersed with calmer moments. Devin Oliver’s characterful and instantly recognisable vocal tone brings both more intimate lyrics and heated frustration through the repeated lyric “All I hear is noise”.

Delving into ideas of constant surveillance and scrutiny driven through our social media addiction, D4MAGE DONE is eerie in its sense of inescapability. The dark undertone carries through the music, building to the heavy breakdown. Amidst all the doom and gloom, the catchiness of D4MAGE DONE and its memorable lyrical hook is certain to be your next earworm. FLOAT remains in shadowy realms but takes on a more introspective perspective. Oliver’s vocals sit predominantly lower in his register across this track with a focus on a more personal, softly sung performance. The impact is immense, ending on the final line “It’s a black hole in front of me”.

A sheer explosion awaits in the hard-hitting Drift. Punchy guitars and electronics emphasise each other in an unyielding heaviness. Trap drums, vocoder vocals, and atmospheric synths provide a moment to breathe before shifting gear into a chaotic outro. The arrangement of are we 3ven? manifests a soaring dream-like state: airy electronics, clean shimmering guitar melodies, and uplifting synths introduce a highly compelling effect while rhythm guitars and bass tones ground the sound. Flood Light brings in post- influences, continuing the dreamscape. It’s energetic with a party vibe, while also revealing a melancholy side through honest lyrics.

With pop and EDM touches, Carry On For You segues between high-octane moments and more minimalist periods of softer, slower tempo sections. SPLIT sees THE WHEEL fall back down to earth with a heavy landing, as an onslaught of unease and distortion begins another haunting descent into I See Stars’ ferocious heaviness. Dynamically ebbing and flowing, the light and the shade alternate, combining across the instruments and vocals in the chorus, and the cacophonous breakdown opens up a discordant pit of despair. Lost It, featuring Palaye Royale, brings the energy of a powerful rock ballad, allowing each feeling to be felt and ultimately delivering a hopeful message. The grungy intimacy of Afterdark swiftly takes off into soaring vocal melodies and atmospheric layers.

Anomaly then picks up the pace with a racing anthemic opening. The fierce energy of the guitars and percussion drives the power with yet another crowd-pleasing catchy chorus hook. This track too has a darker side, unveiled in the dramatic, though brief, breakdown. THE WHEEL draws to a close with Curtain Call, a slow burner that gradually emerges with layers building into an intriguing and enticing sound. Busy percussion provides this track with additional movement, while a haunting effect is revealed through the instrumental parts and Devin Oliver’s heart wrenching lyrics.

I See Stars take the listener on a thrilling, thought-provoking and magnetic journey across the tracks. The wide array of musical and stylistic influences aptly bring to life the complex and, at times, difficult emotions being explored which provide THE WHEEL with a powerful relatability to those facing their own struggles.

For fans of: blessthefall, We Came As Romans, Issues

‘THE WHEEL’ by I See Stars is released on 12th September on Sumerian Records.

Words by Holly Royle