Select Start

Select Start sounds like the exact intersection of a Warped Tour side-stage and a vintage arcade cabinet. Their music is defined by a sugary, high-velocity blend of power pop and pop punk, but what truly sets them apart is the seamless integration of chiptune textures. Imagine the driving guitars and earnest vocal harmonies of the mid-2000s neon-pop era, but with lead melodies played on square-wave synths that sound like they were ripped directly from a SNES cartridge.

What makes them distinctive is their dual identity as both a legitimate power pop outfit and a dedicated video game remix project. They don't just use 8-bit sounds as a gimmick; they treat game scores from Kingdom Hearts, Secret of Mana, and Kirby with the same melodic reverence as their original songwriting. The result is a sound that feels deeply nostalgic for a very specific digital childhood, balancing the grit of a live band with the crystalline precision of electronic sequencing.

Start with their self-titled 2006 release if you want the full band experience, or dive into their 'Night of Fate' cover to hear how they transform iconic game music into a soaring pop-punk anthem. It is music for anyone who grew up with a controller in their hand and a pair of wired headphones plugged into a portable CD player.