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Rating:
THE REVIEW
Are you fed up with the endless wave of '80s referentialism? Do these mass-produced clones make you sick? You're right. Absolutely right. Enough is enough. All the same, all trendy, all advertised as "The Next Big Thing." Another expression that's worn out its welcome. The charming group I'm supposed to discuss fits right into this flood of clichés and scavenging of eighties remnants. But they're a bit more unlucky. Not so trendy, barely nextbigthing. As I write, I have doubts that I might have been duped. However, these stellastarr* (you can tell they're a bit unlucky just from the name) might actually be a real band and not just a commercial phenomenon.
They cite the Human League out of passion and not calculation. They refer to the new wave of new wave of new wave, etc... they remind me of so many bands that I can't name any more. Choose the most qualitative representative of '80s UK pop, and you'll get an idea. A partial one. Because there's also good quality writing here, the songs have depth, and repeated listens chip away at the surface, revealing more layers. Perhaps the 4 stars I give them are a bit exaggerated. But I feel generous towards this band that has given me hours of good music and some memorable tracks (Lost in Time, Sweet Troubled Soul).
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Summary by Bot
Stellastarr*’s album 'Harmonies For The Haunted' stands out in the overcrowded scene of 80s-inspired bands by offering genuine passion and quality songwriting. While they lean on new wave influences, their songs reveal deeper layers upon repeated listens. The album features memorable tracks like 'Lost in Time' and 'Sweet Troubled Soul', earning a generous 4-star rating despite some reservations about trendiness.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
stellastarr*
stellastarr* are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. Known for a post‑punk/new wave-tinged sound, they released the albums stellastarr* (2003), Harmonies for the Haunted (2005) and Civilized (2009).03 Reviews
Other reviews
By NickGhostDrake
An irresistible title ('Harmonies For The Haunted') and a song ('The Diver') among the best emotional experiences of the last five years.
Inexplicable how the rules of today’s great music moguls work, their money, their tastes, and the tastes of millions of sheep who still believe in this enormous farce that is music nowadays.
