Article Contributed by SRO
Published on 2026-02-27
There’s no one quite like KillerStar. The band’s founders, songwriter Rob Fleming (Vocals, Guitar, Synths) and James Sedge (Drums), started the band fuelled by a shared love of ‘70s art-rock and contemporary alternative bands—and they were soon boosted by an array of David Bowie’s most trusted collaborators, who had each organically gravitated towards the project. As the March 20 release of their second album THE AFTERGLOW approaches, KillerStar now further preview the record with their new single “Rubicon.” Listen HERE.
“Rubicon” is epic both in scope and duration. It unfolds like a journey, its progressive leanings in perfect equilibrium with the band’s desire to make every moment count. The duo’s collaborators summon a touch of prime Bowie spirit while doing something entirely fresh, especially with ambient guitar work by Gerry Leonard and a sprawling, fluid solo from Rob Fleming and Earl Slick as does Mark Garson’s atmospheric keys. The song also features bass from Mark Plati, ethereal vocal harmonies from The Webb Sisters (David Gilmour, Leonard Cohen), and backing vocals from Emm Grynor.
Lyrically, “Rubicon” takes one of history’s bravest, boldest adventures as a metaphor for facing up to big dilemmas of our own. As Rob Fleming says, “The song is about crossing the point of no return, on two levels–Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River and anyone’s individual decision points regarding tackling tough decisions.”
As with the rest of the upcoming album, Rob Fleming and James Sedge produced “Rubicon” with Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, The Who), who also mixed the record. The result is that ‘The Afterglow’ is rich with glam, art-rock, hook-laden pop, even a touch of jazz, all held together by killer melodies and lyrical themes on life, love and remembering. It is both spiritually in tune and a natural evolution from their acclaimed self-debut, which earned praise from MOJO, Louder Than War, Vintage Guitar and many more.
THE AFTERGLOW is available to pre-order / pre-save HERE. Its physical formats are a limited edition silver vinyl, black vinyl, and CD.
KillerStar have quickly become regulars at London’s 100 Club, with three sold-out shows at the historic venue already behind them. They will celebrate the release of THE AFTERGLOW by returning for a three-night residency from March 5-7 – the run having recently been extended due to phenomenal demand for tickets. The line-up is led by Rob Fleming and James Sedge, with special guest Earl Slick and fellow album contributors Mike Garson and Mark Plati. They will be joined by Dom Beken (Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets), backing vocals from Ulrika Bergelind and Gail Windrass, and saxophone courtesy of Simon Bates (Elvis Costello).
March 7 is sold-out, but limited tickets remain available HERE for the opening two nights
