"The Starlings vocal harmonies, acoustic goodness and sweet blend of folk and country set the stage for the band's storied original songwriting and the compelling presence of vocalist Joy Mills.” -KEXP.org, 90.3 FM “...melodies galore, choruses you can sing and a great vibe throughout...an excellent album.” - Americana UK “Organic country...both delicate and edgy...For the lo-fi country enthusiast, the Starlings’ natural charm and raw potential, like the Starlings themselves, are a winning combination. Highly recommended.” – Maverick Magazine “The Starlings hark back to an earlier, simpler time, when folks gathered on front porches with mandolins and harmonicas, singing away the day in dusty twilight. That simple beauty pervades the band’s stellar debut album, “Songbook,” and that easygoing camaraderie personifies the Starlings’ live performances, which find them equally at home playing barnburners and ballads and have made them favorites among Seattle’s twang community.” - Portland Tribune "...a band buoyed by shimmering vocalist Joy Mills." -Seattle P.I. “...fresh and full of brio...(Joy) Mills, one of the best songwriters in the Northwest (or anywhere)...an excellent, vital record.” – Victory Review "The nucleus of this folksy, bluegrass infused Americana combo is the duo of Joy Mills (guitar, mandolin) and Tom Parker (guitar, harmonica). The engaging Mills sounds a bit like Kelly Willis on a folk binge, while Parker`s plaintive, mellow voice warms the many harmonies with a most pleasing effect. The supporting players tastefully add Dobro, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, etc., keeping a lively feel throughout. Songbook offers 12 earnest and organic original tunes - most of which penned by Mills - and a straight version of the classic "Long Black Veil", on which the two duet. Capturing the ageless quality of The Carter Family, as in the two Parker penned duets, "Working Man Blues" and "Acorn", The Starlings clearly have a deep appreciation for the classics but are by no means a retro act. Simply a terrific one. - Miles Of Music “Songbook” covers a wide terrain of folk and Americana landscapes including the homage paid to elders in the opening track, “Hand to Mouth,” and the wanderer’s story in “Alaskan Fire”. Other stand-outs include the minor-key foot-stompers “Bones to Ashes” and “Rosie,” as well as the elegantly-orchestrated “Sinner’s Glory,” and the old-time-flavored sweetness of “Acorn”. Led by the magnetic harmonies and melodic songwriting of Joy Mills and Tom Parker, this murmuration combines lyrics and vocals that are all at once wistful and fierce, haunting and soothing. Guitar, banjo, dobro and mandolin underscore the lucid and elemental themes that create The Starlings' solid repertoire.