Formed in Los Angeles in 1998, theSTART emerged as a bridge between the fading grunge era and the impending dance-punk revival of the early 2000s. Founded by Aimee Echo and Jamie Miller (formerly of Human Waste Project), the band pivoted from their nu-metal roots toward a sound heavily influenced by Duran Duran, Missing Persons, and The Cure.
Their debut, 'Shakedown!' , showcased a high-gloss alternative rock sound that was ahead of its time, though label instability hampered their early commercial momentum. Throughout the mid-2000s, they moved through influential labels like Nitro and Metropolis, refining a signature style that integrated dark-wave synths with aggressive rock instrumentation. Critical consensus often highlights Aimee Echo's charismatic frontwoman presence and the band's technical proficiency in blending disparate genres like synth-pop and post-hardcore. They are frequently cited as a 'musician's band,' having toured with heavyweights like Garbage and AFI, and they maintain a cult following for their ability to deliver sophisticated, danceable rock that avoids the clichés of the era.
Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); breathy, intense, belting (vocal style)
Shares studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style); energetic, defiant, playful (moods)
Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style); alternative rock, art rock (subgenres)
Shares urban_night, basement_show, dive_bar (atmosphere); studio_polished, layered_dense, hi_fi (production style)
Shares studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style); new wave, synth-pop, art rock (subgenres)
Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style); alternative rock, synth-pop (subgenres)
Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); electric guitar, keys/synth, bass (instrumentation)
Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares dance-punk, new wave, synth-pop, alternative rock (signature)
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