GATHERING STARS’ A DAY IN THE LIFE – ALBUM REVIEW
by Julie Rearick Kurzenberger
A Day in the Life is the effervescent new release by Columbus’ own Gathering Stars. The 7-piece indie-soul band’s album dropped digitally on May 1st, 2026; followed by a CD release party this coming Thursday May 7th at Natalie’s Music Hall in Grandview Heights. Michelle Ishida (vocals & keys), Carole Walker (vocals) and Stephanie Sambroak (vocals & flute) share their chanteuse talents with guitarist Bill Patrick, bassist Jeff Plavcan, drummer Los Giles, and percussionist Johnny Polansky.
The title track of A Day in the Life awakens the listener with soulful, bright vocals & groovy guitar riffs, celebrating the beginning of another day. A bluesy shuffle follows, as “Key of Love” features a lilting flute and three-part romantic harmonies over a gentle reggae beat. “Misery” is the third track which mixes up fun danceable rhythms, key changes, and ponders the company misery loves. “Thanks But No Thanks” is an upbeat tune featuring funky bass & seasoned with the lyrical quip not to be “jelly over my jam.” The pace slows down a bit and brings a 70s Motown vibe, light and uplifting, complete with “doo doo doos” & “ooh lah lahs”.
Now, we take a turn down a more soulful path with “Highs and Lows” until a keyboard intro leads us to “Moving in Place,” which features unique rhythms, sultry vocals, and it might just force a listener to shake those hips “in place, just to run it back”. Next, we are invited to take to space & tour their heavenly Constellations, musically gathering the stars in a vibey melody.
The penultimate track “Fairy Tales” has a shuffling beat, which conducts the mind’s eye through vistas of imagination and slow-dancing. Finally, “Our Best Days” graciously reminds us that the best of life is yet to come, to follow our truth and accept the glory that striving for our dreams can offer.
A Day in the Life felt like a positively resplendent afternoon. It is a delightful listen, which left me feeling like the sunshine found my shoulders, while I sipped a bottomless fruity cocktail on the beach with my best friends. Find out more at www.gatheringstarsband.com .
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