After a two-decade hiatus, Paula Kelley, the accomplished singer-guitarist and co-founder of the Boston shoegaze band Drop Nineteens, is back with a new solo project. Her forthcoming album, Blinking as the Starlight Burns Out, is set to release on March 27 via Wharf Cat Records, marking an exciting return to the spotlight for this multifaceted artist.
Kelley first made a name for herself with Drop Nineteens, a band that played a pivotal role in the shoegaze scene before disbanding in 1995. Although they reunited in 2022, Kelley's work extends beyond the group's iconic sound. Her latest endeavor, led by the evocative single "Party Line," sees her channel her diverse influences into what she describes as a "post-Cold War influenced track" combining elements of shoegaze and slowcore.
In a press release, Kelley shared insights into the creative process behind "Party Line," a track that seemingly arrived in a moment of serendipity. "When the song came to me it presented nearly fully formed: a pedaling bass line, a four-part vocal harmony, an expansive soundscape," she explained. The track is a reflection on dreams—not of the subconscious variety, but the aspirations and anxieties we project onto our lives as a means of reconciling past unhappiness.
This new album, featuring 11 meticulously crafted tracks, is not only a testament to Kelley's growth as an artist but also her journey to sobriety. It serves as her fourth solo album, expanding on her previous works, including the 2006 release Some Sucker’s Life, Part 1: Demos and Lost Recordings. The new album promises catchy pop hooks, underscoring Kelley's prowess as an arranger and songwriter.
Kelley's past contributions extend beyond her solo work and Drop Nineteens. She has collaborated on studio sessions and indie film soundtracks, bringing a cinematic touch to her musical ventures. This innate ability to craft compelling narratives is evident throughout Blinking as the Starlight Burns Out.
The news of this release is likely to excite fans of Drop Nineteens, who earlier celebrated the band's reunion and their comeback album Hard Light, released in 2023. Discover more about the legendary shoegaze band's seminal album, Delaware, in the feature "The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time."
With Blinking as the Starlight Burns Out, Paula Kelley continues to build on her rich musical legacy, offering a blend of introspection, nostalgia, and innovation that should resonate with longtime listeners and new fans alike.
Paula Kelley, photo by Annabell Lee
Blinking as the Starlight Burns Out album cover