In March of 2008, Stars was in Louisville, playing the Bomhard Theater in support of their then new release In Our Bedroom After the War, which was nominated in 2008 for the Polaris Award, one of Canada's most prestigious music awards. Well, the band returns to town this Sunday October 3rd when it plays Headliners in support of its new release and fifth studio album The Five Ghosts.
Originally formed in Toronto, the band relocated to New York before settling in Montreal. Led by guitarist and vocalist Amy Millan and vocalist and horn and keyboard player Torquil Campbell, the band, which also includes keyboardist Chris Seligman, bassist Evan Cranley, and drummer Pat McGee, make some lush indie pop. Millan, Campbell and Cranley are also members of fellow Canadian band Broken Social Scene.
Millan is arguably one of the best voices in popular music today; she adds a sincere emotion to her lyrics. Her voice implies an everywoman, a girl next door quality without a hint of diva. It is showcased no better than on the song Personal off In Our Bedroom After the War, which is a dialogue between her character and Campbell's. They agreed to a blind date only to have the guy back out as soon as he sees the woman from a distance. Millan's voice conveys the hurt with zero pretense.
While the band can do the simmering, moody ballads, it also can get loud and even a bit New order-like, making some very danceable music. The lead single Fixed off The Five Ghosts is an example of their pop songcraft. A recent set list from a show in Boston showed a good mix of old and new material, including the beforementioned Fixed, Ageless Beauty, Reunion, and Take Me To the Riot.
Expect an evening of soaring melodies and interesting arrangements. Doors open at 7:00. The show starts at 8:00 when opening act Wild Nothing takes the stage. It's an all ages show, and tickets are only $15.
