Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Black Star Dancing EP

Two years after that "Who Built The Moon?" which was quite successful but sharply divided his fanbase, Noel Gallagher returns to the market with a new EP.

It's titled "Black Star Dancing," like the single that preceded it, and consists of three new tracks and two (not exactly essential) remixes of the same first release. It's also the first in a series of three EPs, with the other two expected not to take too long to come out.

Those dreaming of a return to a more traditional songwriting style for the elder Gallagher brother risk a rude awakening: the new EP is indeed an extension of the renewal work started with the previous album, where by renewal (it's still Noel Gallagher, not an artist particularly inclined to innovation) it means a sharp change of direction regarding sources of inspiration.

Thus, it happens that the aforementioned title track turns attention more towards Bowie (that "Black Star" in the title is certainly no accident) and INXS (!!!) than the now overused Beatles, as already happened in "Who Built The Moon?". Here, however, Noel takes half a step further, delving even more into purely dance territories (we're talking the glossy '70s/'80s, certainly not the '90s of the Chemical Brothers and Prodigy). Does it convince? Yes and no. In the sense that the track is certainly not bad: it works, it sounds good, and at times even transports, but something is missing.

Fortunately, that something awakens powerfully in the two subsequent new tracks: "Rattling Rose" (already previewed live and later released as a promo) enchants, with a senior Gallagher almost crooning on a piece that's purely "Americana" and influenced a bit by the earliest (fundamental) works of the Doves. Nice extended ending.

But the true highlight comes with the delightful "Sail On," an essential and inspired folk piece that brings Noel back to a simplicity of writing that enhances his fine craftsmanship of melodies.

As proof that, at this point, the elder Gallagher needs to decide what to do when he grows up: rumors already speak of a new future album with a return to more "traditional" sounds (and on a major label), which would sound somewhat like a step back compared to the intentions shown with the latest works.

We will see what the future choices of the British guitarist and performer will be. For now, we await with curiosity the next two promised EPs.

Best Track: Sail On