THE ACES REDEFINE THE MAGIC ON ‘GOLD STAR BABY’
Are you ready for the perfect night out soundtrack? The Ace’s fourth studio album, Gold Star Baby, will transport you to the colorful world of sapphic disco-pop. Their conceptual discotheque in question, Gold Star Baby, is a form of escapism, catering to self-discovery and authenticity. An album full of bold joy and charisma, there is no question that this record will have you dancing the night away.
The Aces, originally from Provo, Utah, have been crafting alternative-pop music together since 2008. Consisting of sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez (lead vocals/guitar and drums), Katie Henderson (lead guitar/vocals), and McKenna Petty (bass), the group is known for writing from a place of personal experience. While still incorporating topics of religion, mental health, trauma, sexuality and heartbreak, The Aces have shifted gears with their disco debut. Gold Star Baby is the band’s first concept album, aiming to depict queer nightlife through dance-pop, making this a stand-out release.
Thematically, the overall Gold Star Baby experience is heavily inspired by nightlife of the 70’s and 80’s. The album starts with a DJ interlude “Welcome to Gold Star Baby” that sets the scene of the nightclub and overall tone for the album. This track flows into “Jealous,” a quintessential nod to the disco era. Although self-explanatory, this song is all about turning on the charm, and showing off and exuding confidence. Kicking off verse two, Ramirez sings, “Oh, I've seen this before / That envy you can't ignore / Such a shame when you should be dancing.” Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but only to an extent, which is the main takeaway from “Jealous.” Sonically, the energetic bass and harmony lines are the star of the show, highlighted by the kick drum and looping guitar riffs.
“The Magic,” track three off Gold Star Baby, is captivating with its instrumentation and colorful imagery. Similar to “Jealous,” this track is quite danceable in nature with its rhythmic guitar licks and groovy bass. The tone of this track is lighthearted and sexy, mirrored by the syncopation of the drums and synth followed by growling and clapping in the chorus. “The Magic” perfectly depicts how intoxicating and intense chemistry amongst two people can be, making this the stronger single from the record.
“She got that cherry red lipstick and it's smeared on my shirt / Marks me like a cigarette burn,” Ramirez sings in the opening lines.
Graphic by Lydia Wojcieszak (Crave Music Magazine)
Following this is “Gold Star Baby,” the title track of the album that encapsulates the true essence of the album: exploration of identity. In verse two, Ramirez chants, “So just close your eyes, we can go for a ride, and you can thank me later.” The track is rather mysterious and hazy with its use of synths and chimes, leaning into the dreaminess of the nightclub. The most notable part of the song is its slow-fading outro, featuring distorted repetition of the “Gold Star Baby” phrase.
“You Got Me” is equally as attention-grabbing as the songs prior. With its honesty and vulnerability, “You Got Me” is a staple love song that borders between intrigue and infatuation. The lingering disco synths and shimmery guitar from the previous track are present, carrying the song to the end.
Ramirez laments, “You said you're getting by with a brain that's always saying things that hurt you / See yourself through my eyes you would realize why I work so hard to keep,” in verse two.
“The Girls Interlude,” a phone call between friends discussing their plan for the night, transitions seamlessly into the next track “She Likes Me.” Thematically, this track follows the pair’s intense attraction to one another, mirroring the lyrics in “Jealous.” In the chorus, Ramirez belts, “I’m possessive and I can get aggressive / You can look, don’t touch.”. The combination of the syncopated beat, bass riffs and maracas create dissonance within the piece, leaving you on the edge of your seat. On a similar note, we have another fast-paced track called “Stroke,” a clever play-on-words anthem. The sporadic bass line and repetitive guitar hook work in tandem, becoming the basis of the melody.
The fourth and final single of the album “Twin Flame” fuses Latin instrumentals with disco-pop excellence. Bridging the gap between two genres can be challenging, but not for The Ramirez sisters, as honoring their Hondurian roots comes naturally. From the Latin-inspired guitar to the use of Spanish in the bridge, “Twin Flame” is a multifaceted single. The core of the song is about idolizing a partner for their good qualities while simultaneously ignoring the bad. In the pre-chorus, Ramirez sings, “Cause I know and you know that you're bad for me / But my moon and your moon make a whole complete.” Although toxic, the moon analogy depicts how difficult it can be to separate yourself from a twin flame.
The final three tracks of the album are similar in progression with their stripped-down production. “Fire in the Hole” is mid-tempo with hints of electric guitar, mirroring the push-and-pull that Ramirez feels towards her partner. This segues into “Spending the Night” where Ramirez is yearning to rekindle the romance, showcasing her range and falsetto in the outro. Finally, Ramirez ends on a high with “I’m Sweet (I’m Mean).” She sings, “The fog is lifted from my eyes, the things I saw in you have died,” proving that she has come full-circle. Her experience at Gold Star Baby may not have been what she had hoped for, but her hope has been restored post-breakup.
This is the year of reinvention for The Aces. Under its shiny, flirty and carefree exterior, Gold Star Baby is a love letter to queer nightclubs of the past. Each song was crafted with intent and flows with precision, making it unapologetically The Aces. Although the disco fever-esque shift was surprising, The Aces have proven that the risk is worth the reward.
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