Album Review: Stars - The North

Album Rating: B-

If my high school economics class taught me anything, it’s that it’s essential to specialize, to realize what you’re best at and to do it. Stars are well-acquainted with this concept, and this shows in the specific brand of indie-pop the group concocts. It’s important to note the consistency of Stars’ career, because never have they failed to make something emotionally gratifying. The North is a continuation of this exploration, an experiment with 80’s pulsating synths with an exploratory spirit that could be likened to that of Mew.

Artist of the Day: Stars

If there's one thing to take away from Stars' new album, The North, it's that there is no predicting just what a band is capable of delivering.  The Five Ghosts was a solid enough debut indie album, showing definite potential, but for no discernible reason, it didn't seem to have much repeat value.  But all of that's changed on The North.  With the simple addition of 80's-style synthesizers, Stars has managed to truly solidify their sound, creating an album that is incredibly relaxing, with subtle leanings in a more indie/pop direction.  Even the harmonized vocals hold more weight than before, accentuating the dynamics of each song perfectly.  So if anyone who has yet to listen Stars, or has been hesitant to give them a real chance, now is the time to do so.  If they continue to progress this way with future release, there's no telling what they're capable of delivering. 

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